Thomas Michael Warren

Dad was a great man; he loved his family and did everything he could to ensure they lived the best life possible. His parents instilled in him a strong sense of purpose and devotion. He committed himself to few things, but the things he did commit to – family and work, he gave everything.
Thomas Michael Warren was born on December 3rd, 1952, in Atlanta Georgia. He grew up in East Atlanta, graduating from Walker High School in 1969.
He worked at Winn-Dixie from 1967 until he entered military service. He always spoke fondly of the grocery store, recalling when barcodes were introduced.
He served in the army, as a Military Police Officer, from 1971 to 1974, going to Vietnam in 1973, where he served with the 560th Military Police Company. He never spoke much about his time there, and when he did speak about it, he said the only thing they really cared about was going home. When leaving, he recalls getting on a helicopter not even sure where it was going as long it was away from there.
He loved his wife, Joanie, having met through a mutual friend, going on a blind date to Stone Mountain in 1973. They married on June 8th, 1974, at the historic Chapel in Fort McPherson, where he served his final months of military service. His strength matched well with her sociability, and they provided a wonderful home for their children.
He served with the Dekalb County fire department, retiring as a Battalion Chief, after 30 years of service. The fire department brought him a sense of purpose. He enjoyed helping people and risked his life weekly in support of the community to provide the best life possible for his family.
He enjoyed baseball his whole life, playing ball as a child, then serving as a little league coach, encouraging his sons, Marcus and Shane to play as well. Our family went to many Braves games, and he enjoyed watching the games on television.
He had a wonderful sense of humor but only a few people were able to see that side of him. He endured a lot of pain throughout his life, suffering from an early career injury and managed it the best he could. His resilience was remarkable and inspiring.
Faith was important Mike. He was a member of the first Baptist church of McDonough and enjoyed the community of the church.
He is survived by wife Joanie, sons – Marcus (Jennifer) and Shane, brothers Tim, Owen, Charles, and Grandsons – Jacob and Andrew.
On Sunday evening January the 4th, 2026 he accepted the grace of God and joined his Heavenly Father.
A service to honor Thomas Warren's life will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, beginning at 10:00 AM, at First Baptist Church of McDonough. Interment will follow the service at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Stockbridge, Georgia. The family will receive friends Friday, January 9, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, 770-914-1414.