Thomas Vernon "Papa Tommy" Cartwright

Thomas Vernon "Papa Tommy" Cartwright

Monday, December 12, 1938 – Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Thomas Vernon "Papa Tommy" Cartwright, 87, of McRae, Georgia passed away peacefully at his residence on March 10, 2026. Born on December 12, 1938, in the same town he would come to serve with his natural giving and generous spirit, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. His life exemplified his faithfulness to Christ and his devotion to his family, his work, and the simple pleasures of the land he loved.

Tommy's journey began as the son of the late Ellis McDavid Cartwright and Latha Thomas Cartwright. At an early age, he learned attributes of working hard, spending time with family and friends, and being a steward of the land and animals of which he was entrusted. As a teen, he enjoyed playing basketball at Workmore High School, going fishing, and pulling pranks with his cousins, brother, and friends. After completing his education, Tommy would move to the metro Atlanta area to work for AT&T. In Conyers, he met his future wife, Joan Dempsey. He would go on to get married and relocate his family back to Telfair County. At that time, he began to care for, and grow, the family farm. This would begin his life-long endeavor of working the land and providing for his family. He learned to balance those purposes with his AT&T-Southern Bell career, from which he would eventually retire. He would, however, never retire from farming. He continued his love of planting and raising animals until his last days on earth.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Barbara Joan Dempsey Cartwright, Tommy's legacy is carried on by his loving children, Cathy Cartwright Goddard (Tim) of Newnan, Michael Cartwright (Tammi) of Hahira, Julie Cartwright Hunt (Craig) of McRae, and David Cartwright (Emily) of McRae. His grandchildren, Amy Goddard, John Goddard, Michael Cartwright, Jr., Peter Cartwright, Rebeka Cartwright, Mackenzie Hunt, Madelyn Cartwright, Jackson Cartwright, and Nora Cartwright will proudly continue their Papa Tommy's heritage of working hard to achieve goals, living life with character, integrity, and putting Jesus first. Tommy's sister, Vivian Cooper of Dublin, along with several nieces and nephews, will also hold dear the memory of his love of family and spending time with each other. In addition to his wife, Joan, Tommy is preceded in death by his siblings, Clarice Batchelor, Ronelda Screws, Mack Cartwright, and parents Ellis and Latha Cartwright. He also leaves behind his close friend and cousin, Mr. Charles Purvis, of whom he would share the most outrageous stories of their adventures together.

Tommy's interests were as rich and varied as the life he led. His first love was always learning, reading and studying his Bible. This knowledge would often guide him through life's challenges and create the right focus on all his triumphs. He often took that wisdom to mentor and teach classes in his local church or just sharing his love of God and family in a passing conversation. Most importantly, his thirst for knowledge would create an environment of curiosity and skill development with his children and grandchildren. He would use his engineering and building skills to create homes and build and establish several new places of worship throughout the towns in which he lived. An avid fisherman and hunter, he found solace in the quiet of nature and the excitement in the days of hunting and fishing with his buddies and family, especially his grandchildren. One would often find Tommy visiting those he knew, enduring himself to new neighbors, and even turning random strangers into quick friends. His love for animals, especially recently his pets and cows, was well known. Any afternoon you might find him feeding hay to the cows on his forty-year-old Deutz tractor (that he kept running), or sitting in the yard, tinkering with a small motor and petting his dogs and cat. Always one to enjoy his food, he was consistent in his adoration for a good fish fry, all things sweet (especially Mama Joan's banana pudding), and a perfectly grilled steak.

Till his last moments on earth, Tommy continued to fight with his entire body and very present mind, sharing his faith and family stories with the great staff of Coffee Regional, Hospice Care Options, and his many visiting family and friends.

Thomas Vernon Cartwright will be remembered as a man of Faith, a spirit of incredible generosity, a beacon of wisdom, and a true friend to all who knew him. His legacy will continue to flourish in the lives he touched and the community he so dearly loved.

The family will visit with friends at the Chapel of Lowes Funeral Home on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.

A funeral service will be held at the Chapel of Lowes Funeral Home on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Blake Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Turnpike Creek Cemetery with Reverend Jay Moore officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in memory of Tommy and in recognition of his faithful service to the Lord to Harmony Baptist Church, 31 Gum Tree Lane, McRae, GA 31055 for the purchase of Gideon Bibles, or online at The Gideons International (www.gideons.org.). Gifts may also be given in person at his memorial service.

You may express your condolences online at lowesfuneralhome.net.

Lowes Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.