George Terry Toole

GEORGE TERRY TOOLE

George Terry Toole, age 89, passed away at his home on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family members. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, August 29, at 3:00 p.m. at Colquitt Methodist Church with Rev. Cory Thomas and Rev. Jean Watson officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday night from 6:00-8:00 p.m., also at the church.

Terry was born in Colquitt on December 21, 1935, the son of Joseph and Annie Lou Cook Toole. He graduated from Miller County High School in 1954. While in school, he was in the band and was editor of the annual/yearbook. After high school graduation, Terry attended Emory at Oxford and the University of Georgia.

It was during his high school days that Terry fell in love with Betty Jo Mason, and the two married on January 8, 1956. The ceremony took place after morning worship at the Colquitt Methodist Church with the whole congregation present plus some Baptist relatives in attendance. Terry and Betty Jo would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary next January. Two daughters, Tammy and Donna, blessed the couple as did three much loved grandchildren, Garrett, Joanna and Mason.

The newlyweds moved to Atlanta, where Terry was employed by Southern Railways. In 1958, with daughter Tammy only 10 days old, Terry and Betty Jo headed back to their hometown of Colquitt where he was going to help his mother run the Western Auto. Terry operated that business for 41 years, and over the years the couple also owned a furniture store and gift shop.

Terry’s career took a different turn in 1976 when his aunt and uncle, Willie and Bert Priest, convinced him to buy the Miller County Liberal, the newspaper founded by his grandmother, Zula Brown Cook Toole, in 1897. He began as editor and publisher with Betty Jo as the general manager. As his health began to fail, he promoted Wanda Griffin to editor and listed himself as publisher and “paper boy.” He was always happy to be at his desk at the Liberal, writing his column, “Up the Creek without a Paddle,” or working on photos and news stories. His award-winning newspaper is a member of the Georgia Press Association, where Terry previously served on its board of directors.

In addition to working many jobs, Terry was very active in the community that he dearly loved. He was elected ordinary/probate judge, served as chairman of the Miller County Commissioners, and was the coroner for over 20 years. A member of the Lions Club and one of its past presidents and directors, he contributed to this organization for 67 years. He chaired the local American Heart Association Chapter and received the Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award. Terry was also inducted into the Miller County Band Hall of Fame and before his death was nominated for induction into the Miller County Sports Hall of Fame for his many years of photography on the sidelines and newspaper sports coverage.

Terry was a lifelong and devoted member of Colquitt Methodist Church, where he served in nearly every leadership role over the years. One of his most cherished responsibilities was serving as youth director alongside his beloved wife, Betty Jo. He was a longtime participant in the Men’s Prayer Group and remained a dedicated Food Bank volunteer until just a few months before his passing. Terry also shared his love of music through the Chancel Choir, the Men’s Choir, and the Men’s Quartet, often lending his voice at funerals and special events throughout the community.

He loved to hunt and fish until work and poor health eliminated those favorite pastimes.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Jo Mason Toole; one daughter, Donna Toole of Canton; one son-in-law, Kent Richardson; three grandchildren, Garrett Richardson, Joanna Richardson of Hahira, and Mason Toole of Canton; one sister-in-law, Polly Toole of Enterprise, AL; one godchild, Joy Jones Hayman; and one grand-godchild, Jocelyn Hayman; and many other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, others preceding him in death include his daughter, Tammy Toole Richardson; sister, Joanna Toole; brother, Samuel Morgan Toole; and in-laws, Jordan and Uva Sanders Mason.

Colquitt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.