Thomas Gleaton Obituary

GLEATON, Jr., Thomas James "Buddy"

Thomas J. "Buddy" Gleaton Jr. passed away at the age of 84 on February 2, 2021 due to complications from a stroke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Sr. and Lucille Bridges Gleaton, and by his sisters Vesta, Mary, Nena, and Joan. He is survived by his wife, Anne Tidmore Gleaton; his sister Theresa Turner; children Lynn Larson (Brad), Camille Oliver (Clayton), Virginia Gleaton, and Thomas "Jay" Gleaton III (Stefanie); and grandchildren Josh, Savannah, Ben, and Sam Larson.

Buddy was born in a log cabin near Seale, Alabama on July 31, 1936. His sisters called him their "little buddy" and the name stuck. His education progressed from humble beginnings in Seale with a high school graduating class of eight, to attending the University of Alabama, to earning a doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi.

His professional journey began as a teacher and a coach of several sports, including football, basketball, swimming, diving, and gymnastics. In Atlanta, while teaching at Georgia State University, he co-founded the Parents' Resource Institute for Drug Education to help parents address the growing problem of youth substance abuse. His greatest professional accomplishment, PRIDE, became known worldwide for its work. PRIDE's annual conference was attended by tens of thousands, drawing dignitaries such as Nancy Reagan and other First Ladies from around the world.

In his leisure time, Buddy enjoyed fishing, swimming, and gardening. He liked nothing better than gifting home-grown tomatoes to friends and family. He had a remarkable gift for connecting with people and could almost always find something in common with anyone he met. He was particularly popular with the ladies, perhaps due to the influence of growing up with five sisters. In his last days, he charmed an entire floor of nurses at Emory St. Joseph's Hospital.

The family plans to have a celebration of life when it is safe to gather together. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Buddy's memory be made to your local community food bank.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Feb. 6, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Gleaton

6 Entries

Karen Vaughan

February 14, 2023

It´s 2 /2023 and I´m finding this and it is heart breaking. I´m sorry we were not there due this time. Anne and Buddy were amazing neighbors and friends. Buddy was an amazing guy . RIP

Martha Bullard Staples

July 25, 2022

I have considered Dr. Gleaton my friend as well as my professor from DeKalb Junior College through Georgia State University. He assisted me entering GSU´s Masters Program in Physical Education and was a mentor throughout my life. My condolences to the family.

Gail Davis

February 10, 2021

Anne, I was saddened to read of your husband’s death. Please know you are thought about with love and prayers by your former students and faculty.

Sandra Owen

February 7, 2021

Buddy, you will live on in the hearts of those who worked with you on the Southeastern Drug Free Schools and Communities Project and GSU students to whom you gave direction and support, challenging all of us to do our best. Prayers are sent to the family for strength as they mourn your loss and for courage as they celebrate your life.

Doug Hall

February 6, 2021

Buddy was one of a kind. He was a man who only knew the possible, who never knew can't do. I saw his many kindnesses first hand and was proud to call him my friend. When I think of Buddy I hear Sinatra singing "My Way." The world is a better place because he passed this way. Ironically he and I were probably patients at St. Joe's at the same time and didn't know it. Fate is something. Fortunately I was sent home good as new. My sincerest sympathy to Anne, Jay and Camille.

Sandi Oliver

February 6, 2021

He was a wonderful, kind giving man. He had amazing loyalty to his family. He will be missed!

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