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Thomas Cater Obituary
Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Thomas Cater. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Valerie; his two children, Courtney and Thomas III; and his sister, Ona Cater Wilson. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and an avid Alabama football fan. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Tommy played a pivotal role in the founding of his wife's nonprofit, Gilgal, and was a strong supporter of the program's mission. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gilgal Inc., P.O. Box 150777, Atlanta, Georgia 30315.
His Celebration of Life will be at 12:00pm on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 815 Lynhurst Dr. SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30311.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
David Roberts
November 11, 2024
Tommy taught me how to fry a turkey. So every year around Thanksgiving and Christmas I remember Tommy. My deepest condolences to his wife and family!
Denny Johnson
December 10, 2023
It was such an honor to be asked to speak at Tommy's service. I'm very thankful for the 45 years of friendship. He will always be in my heart and mind as a close friend. May God bring peace to Val and his children, and may Tommy's memory be eternal.
Kevin B. Humphrey
December 1, 2023
Tommy and I go way back to the late 1980´s. I have so many memories of watching Alabama and Michigan playing in Football Bowl games. Of course Bama would win:) Tommy giving me a hard time about it. Also, we shared mutual business interest that allowed us to spend a lot of hang time together. Our wife´s were pregnant at the same with his daughter Courtney and our son Kendall which was very special. However, most of all, I just enjoyed Tommy for who he was as a person. Especially how much he loved his family. It still does not seem real. Tommy will always have a special room in our hearts. Much love my friend.
Kevin B. Humphrey
James Lowell Gulley Jr
November 28, 2023
I remember Mr Cater simply as Tommy. To me his dad was Mr Cater. I met Tommy in the 9th grade when I joined the band where we remained band members thru the 12th grade. We remained friends even tho our lives took different paths. May God bless his family & all his friends
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Olita Williams
November 26, 2023
I met Thomas at IBM in Birmingham during my internship. I can truly say I remember him as the husband of Valarie! They were a wonderful young couple beginning their careers.
My memory was in questioning him about the company and how could I get my internship to lead to full time employment? He and Valerie took time to explain the process, but gave me hope by saying, do a good job!! I took the advice and was hired. We crossed paths at various times over the years, I do remember a very kind and professional person. That is my memory of Thomas.
My prayers and thoughts are with Valerie and the children.
Olita Williams
Wayne&Verlinda Paul
November 24, 2023
Val and family, we are so sorry to hear of Tommy´s transition. What an awesome legacy and imprint he made on so many. We pray that those memories and most of all the Lord´s comforting arm, bless and keep you during this time.
Hortense Jackson
November 20, 2023
I remember Tommy being one of the top salesmen at IBM and his spirit of excellence, along with Valerie's top notch technical performance at the company, really motivated me. I have followed their journey to fulfill God's call on their lives in the establishment of the Gilgal Non Profit organization.
May the God of all comfort, strengthen and comfort the family during this time of transition.
Herb Shannon
November 19, 2023
I met Bro Cater for the first time as we Chartered Chi Gamma Gamma Chapter into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. The stated an instant Friendship. We strengthened that Friendship in the start up days of Gilgal, when I volunteered to help clean the yard and beautify the exterior of the Gilgal building, and we have been Friends for 35 years. He will be especially missed by his chartering Brothers. Val, condolences to you, Courtney, Tommy III and all of your family. Bro Cater, rest in peace, my Friend.
Charles M. McCord
November 19, 2023
Tommy was my friend and my Omega Fraternity brother. We met through our wives, but quickly found many things that we had in common. In the early years at Gilgal, Inc. we'd attend meetings and events an used the time to catch up on family, frat and life. Our last conversation took place just days before his passing. He wanted to get updates on the new Falcon QB. I mourn his passing, but cherish all of the fond memories. Praying God's peace comforts Val, Thomas and Courtney during this time of bereavement. Uncle C will be there for you.
Cecilia Lawson
November 18, 2023
Words simply cannot express the depth of sadness that I feel for my dear friend, Valerie, in the loss of her one true love, Thomas Cater II, and father of their beautiful kids, Courtney and Thomas.
I pray that in the days, weeks and months ahead that God will hold each of them close and be a comfort and refuge during this season of sorrow.
Our deepest condolences and most sincere sympathy!
Cecilia Lawson and Family
Glen Wiggins
November 13, 2023
I´m saddened by the recent death of a friend.Mr was a warrior as I saw him fight illness many of days. My condolences to his wife,family and who him well. God Bless
Johnny Lee Davis
November 13, 2023
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sara Fox
November 13, 2023
I will always remember Tommy's kindness, smile and generosity...may the memories you all made in your marriage and with your family comfort you all in the days ahead...love yall
Cassandra Baynes-Pullom
November 13, 2023
My Condolences to Valerie and the family from Cassandra Baynes-Pullom childhood friend.
Donnie Perry
November 13, 2023
Tommy, Val, and I met back in 1988 as we were chartering Chi Gamma Gamma Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in Marietta Ga. Tommy was only 5 weeks older than I was and our paths crossed quite often during our 35 years of service to Omega Psi Phi. He and Val had two young children at the time and so did I. His passing deeply affected the remaining chartering Bros and we pray for Val, Tommy III, and Courtney as they continue their life journey without the physical presence and love of their husband and father!
David Roberts
November 12, 2023
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Billie Daniels
November 12, 2023
I will always remember how easily Tommy volunteered to teach our daughter to drive a stick shift. At her insistence, we bought it and she was to drive it from Atlanta to Tallahassee. Tommy step right in and said, I´ll show her´. That was Tommy; always willing and able to help. Rest in Heaven, my friend.
Tonya
November 12, 2023
I am saddened for the family and thank you Ms Val, Mr Thomas, and God for bringing your dream to fruition. Mr Thomas is absent from the body, yet present with the lord.
Nancy Jackson
November 12, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Angela D James
November 12, 2023
My first memory was as a freshman at the University of Alabama. Tommy stood in front of Mary Burke's dorm during dinner time. He was always a gentleman and greeted those passing by him with a smile so genuine. It was as if he knew we were scared Freshman, who needed the safety of his smile.
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