Thomas Alfred Shank

Thomas A. Shank (Tom) entered Heaven on November 22, 2023, after a long illness. Born October 18, 1944, he was 79. Tom died at home in Acworth, Georgia with family nearby. Preceded in death by his father Joseph T. Shank, mother Lenah M. Shank, and wife Kathryn M. Seaton Shank (Kathy)(Punky), he is survived by devoted companion Mary Alice Carter, daughter Jennifer D. Shank, and her husband Wade M. Wilkes, son Matthew T. Shank, and sister Marilyn S. Shank. Other family members include grandchildren Vaden James, Alex James, Isabella J. Wilkes (Bella), Morgan J. Wilkes, Tanner M. Wilkes, brother-in-law Pat Seaton, sister-in-law Kay Seaton, niece Kim Trotta and her husband Joe Trotta,, as well as like-a-daughter Melissa A. Galbraith.

Tom attended West Virginia University and graduated from West Virginia Institute of Technology where he majored in Civil Engineering. He worked at West Virginia Department of Transportation, Columbia Gas, Blackhorse Construction, and as a free-lance Project Manager. One of Tom’s free-lance opportunities was restoring gas pipelines in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

A proud veteran, Tom served in Vietnam’s Seventh Calvary. For his service, he was awarded The National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. When asked about serving in Vietnam, he said he wanted his children to know he was willing to fight for his country. Active in the American Legion, Tom referred to members as his brothers and sisters in arms.

His hobbies included hunting and fishing as well as playing cards. Through the years Tom owned dogs he trained to hunt. Not typically a cat lover, he rescued a feral cat he named Puppy that could usually be found in his lap.

Tom was known for his wry sense of humor, as exemplified by naming his cat Puppy. No one could have loved family more. He did everything in his power to improve the welfare of family members and those he unofficially adopted as family. He loved having fun and being outdoors in nature. Carrying his Appalachian West Virginia heritage to Georgia, he continued to be an avid follower of WVU Mountaineer sports. Tom faced his extended illness with courage and strength, looking forward to Heaven.

Tom’s Celebration of Life will be held at Poole Funeral Home, 1970 Eagle Dr., Woodstock, GA 30189 on December 5, 2023. Visitation will be at noon and the memorial service at 1:00. Pastor Alan Scott will officiate. Internment will be at Georgia National Cemetery at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Wounded Warriors (http//www.woundedwarriorproject.org).