Thomas Arthur Wilson

Tom Wilson died peacefully at his home in Athens, Georgia on April 26, 2025.

Thomas Arthur Wilson was born November 20, 1947 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Arthur Paul Wilson and Esther Rose Eiden. He graduated from Hamline University and earned Masters degrees from the University of Toledo and the University of Texas before obtaining a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University. He was honorably discharged as a specialist four from the U.S. Army in 1976. Over his long career as a philosophy professor, he held positions at University of Indiana in Gary, San Jacinto Community College in Houston, Georgia Perimeter College, and Oglethorpe University in Atlanta.

While pursuing his Ph.D, he met an alluring older woman, Ann Puckett, and became what she called her “trophy husband.” He liked to say he was glad she let him keep his own name.

Tom and Ann moved to Athens in 1994. Tom loved to sing and was a member of the Athens Chamber Singers, the Emmanuel Episcopal Church choir and previously the Athens Master Chorale. He was an avid reader. He was a primo corgi dad to Augie, Carson, and Ellie.

Tom is survived by his wife Elizabeth Ann Puckett; his stepson Andrew Charles Hendricks; and his sisters, Jeanette (Jeff) Gackstetter and Margaret Wilson; and one niece, Mae Gackstetter, and a nephew, Chris Hendrickson. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Teresa Hendrickson, and his three corgi children.

There will be a viewing at Lord and Stephens East on Lexington Road, Wednesday, April 30, 6-8 p.m.

A celebration of life will be scheduled later.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Athens Chamber Singers, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, or Athens Canine Rescue.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, East , Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com