Dr. Thomas H. McKelvey

1933 - 2022

Dr. Thomas H. McKelvey
March 16, 1933 - September 22, 2022
Athens, Georgia - Dr. Thomas H. McKelvey, 89, passed away surrounded by family in Mobile, Alabama on Sunday, September 22, one month and a day after his beloved wife of 67 years, Rose Mary, died in Athens, Georgia. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 1 at 10:00 a.m. at Hart's at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road in Macon with Father William McIntyre officiating. Family will stay to greet friends after the service.
Born in Dothan, Alabama, Tommy was the second son of Mary Lou and Glen Russell McKelvey. After graduating from the Emory School of Dentistry in 1960, Tommy moved to Macon with his wife, Rose Mary, where he practiced dentistry for 42 years.
As a dental professional, Dr. McKelvey was a pioneer of invention and an advocate for children's access to quality care. He won the American Dental Association's "Oral Discoveries and Invention Award" for his patented dental tools. As a fellow of the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, he designed and created oral protheses for cancer victims and those born with disabilities. Tommy was also the founder and director of Project Smile, a mobile dental clinic outfitted to offer dental care to 24,000 indigent children in Bibb County. His work was recognized with the ADA's "Preventative Dentistry Award." Dr. McKelvey shared his knowledge and deep concern for dental health with the community as a contributor to the Macon Telegraph & News' column, "Doctor, doctor."
Outside his professional life, Tommy was an ardent supporter of the Macon community, serving as president or board member of many non-profit and charitable organizations, including the Macon Heritage Foundation, the Macon Chamber of Commerce, the Tourism Task Force, the Middle Georgia Arts Association and Macon Arts Alliance. Tommy was the originator and director the Macon Rotary Club's Internship Program for Wesleyan College where he also served as a board member. For his tireless work to promote tourism in Macon, Dr. McKelvey received the prestigious "Macon Believers Award" from the Macon-Bibb County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
In his leisure time, Tommy loved and lived the game of golf, playing weekly at Idle Hour Club with a longtime group of friends. In 1976, Tommy's group began the annual Diamond Cup Golf Tournament, a playful excuse to travel and compete on beautiful courses around the country for more than 40 years. He was also an accomplished artist, showing his expressive paintings and intricate pastels in exhibitions across Middle Georgia.
Tommy is survived by his six children, Greg McKelvey (Star of Mobile, AL), Kevin McKelvey (John of St. Petersburg, FL), Ellen Gaddo (Randy of Athens, GA), Erin Guillebeau (Paul of Athens, GA), Anna "Kerry" Gagnon (George of Greenville, SC), Ryan "Boo" McKelvey (Rebecca of Macon, GA), 11 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to GDA Foundation for Oral Health, 1850 Parkway Place, Suite 420, Marietta, GA 30067 or call the GDA Foundation at 404-636-7553 and ask for Carol.
Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.
Hart's at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.