Robert Thomas "Tom" Cooksey

It is with both profound sadness and heartfelt celebration of a remarkable life that we announce the passing of Robert Thomas Cooksey, affectionately known as Tom (or Tommy), who peacefully departed this world on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the age of 69.
Born on April 6, 1956, in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Robert (Bobby) Ormon and Julia Arlene Cooksey, Tom lived a life filled with passion, purpose, and love. From an early age, he demonstrated a strong work ethic and a love for sports. Growing up in East Point, Georgia, he excelled in sports and lettered in three Varsity sports at Russell High School: football, wrestling, and track. He earned a football scholarship to play as quarterback at Troy University, but with his superior speed, he also started as tailback and earned the nickname "The Kid" from his outstanding tailback debut.
However, Tom's lifelong love for Georgia Tech led to his decision to transfer there after his freshman season. Like a scene from the movie Rudy, he drove his legendary Duster Twister to the Georgia Tech campus and found the football coaching offices – with no appointment - where he talked his way into a meeting with one of the coaches. He told the coach about his desire to transfer and told him he would play any position to have a spot on the team. Moved by his strong determination and heart, that coach mapped out a plan for Tom that would eventually lead to his starting position as nose guard for the Georgia Tech defense. He graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Industrial Management in 1980-a milestone he cherished deeply.
In 1981, Tom signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Falcons and played as a linebacker until a career-ending injury brought his time on the field to a close. While this ended one chapter, it marked the beginning of another-one that would become just as impactful. Tom went on to build an exceptional and widely respected career in commercial real estate.
Over the course of 28 years with Lavista Associates, he earned numerous accolades from the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors, including Rookie of the Year, the prestigious Alvin B. Cates Award, and the Silver Phoenix Award. Known for his integrity, dedication, and natural leadership, Tom retired early in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of professional excellence. One of the most meaningful honors of his career came in 2023 when he was named the inaugural recipient of the ACBR Archetype Award. This distinguished recognition not only celebrated his accomplishments and lasting contributions to the Atlanta commercial real estate community but also honored the profound impact he had on colleagues and peers through his mentorship, generosity, and unwavering commitment to lifting others.
Away from work, Tom found joy on the golf course and was a long-time member of the Atlanta Athletic Club and The River Club. A loyal Yellow Jacket to the end, he rarely missed a Georgia Tech game, proudly cheering on his team from his season ticket seats. Above all, Tom cherished time with his family-especially during holidays and on vacations-creating memories filled with laughter, love, and togetherness.
Tom was a devoted husband to his wife and best friend, Cynthia Annette (Brown) Cooksey, with whom he shared 32 years of marriage beginning on June 27, 1992. Their love was a partnership marked by laughter, strong faith, and deep commitment. Together, they raised three incredible sons-Robert Tate Cooksey, John Tyler Cooksey, and Thomas Tilden Cooksey-who were the pride and joy of Tom's life. Tom is also survived by his dearly loved daughter-in-law, Maddi Kepano Cooksey, who recently joined the family in marriage to his son, Tyler - a union that brought him great joy and pride. He embraced fatherhood with open arms, coaching their teams in baseball, basketball, and football, and more importantly, teaching them life lessons in character, work ethic, perseverance, and faith.
A man of strong Christian faith, Tom lived out his beliefs through service and fellowship. Before his health declined, he was actively involved at Gwinnett Church, serving faithfully as a greeter and usher, and participating in several small groups alongside his wife and their neighbors. When attending in person was no longer possible, Tom became a devoted online member of Free Chapel, worshiping weekly from home with his family. He continued to nurture his faith through virtual fellowship, especially his Friday morning men's Bible study via Zoom, which brought him spiritual encouragement and deepened lasting friendships.
Tom's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched with his warmth, wit, and unwavering support. He is survived by his beloved wife and their three sons, Tate, Tyler, and Thomas Cooksey; his sister, Cherri Dunn, and brother-in-law, Jerry; his nieces Ginger, Jennifer and Candace Dunn as well as a host of extended family members, dear friends, and colleagues who were blessed by his presence.
Celebration of Life services for Tom will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Greater Atlanta Christian School Performing Arts Center, at 3:00 pm. The family will gather prior to the service with friends beginning at 1:45 pm until 2:45 pm. Guests are encouraged to use the second entrance off Indian Trail Road and park in the GAC Stadium Parking Lot. Graveside services were held privately at Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Tucker, Georgia.
We understand that not everyone is able to attend the funeral service of our beloved Tom in person. For those who are unable to be with us physically, we invite you to join us via livestream as we honor and celebrate his life. https://vimeo.com/event/5131826/65a02ecbcd
Tom was known for his kind spirit and generous heart, often giving quietly and faithfully to charitable organizations that reflected his deepest values. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Tom's memory by contributing to one of these organizations, continuing his legacy of compassion and support for the causes he held most dear.
Concussion Legacy Foundation, 361 Newbury St., 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02115
The Georgia Tech Football Program via the Alexander-Tharpe Fund: Please include "In memory of Tom Cooksey" to direct the gift appropriately.
Online:
Mail: 150 Bobby Dodd Way, Atlanta, GA 30332
Greater Atlanta Christian School Athletics:
Please include "In memory of Tom Cooksey" to direct the gift appropriately.

Young Life
https://giving.younglife.org/s/
We are deeply grateful to the compassionate caregivers at Heartis Suwanee Generations Memory Care and the Agape Hospice team, whose kindness and dedication brought comfort and peace to Tom and our family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. 770-448-5757.