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Thomas Ervin "Tommy" VALENTINE

1949 - 2014

Thomas Ervin "Tommy" VALENTINE obituary, 1949-2014, Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich.

FUNERAL HOME

Little & Davenport Funeral Home & Crematory

355 Dawsonville Highway SW

Gainesville, Georgia

Thomas VALENTINE Obituary

VALENTINE, Thomas Ervin "Tommy"

Thomas Ervin "Tommy" Valentine, 64, of Gainesville, GA and Grosse Point Woods, MI, lost his long and courageous battle with cancer on July 12, 2014, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He will be remembered as an incredible son, brother, uncle, remarkable athlete, and a trusted and loyal friend. Tommy was born on October 21, 1949 in Atlanta, and was the son of the late Dr. Herbert Edward Valentine, Jr., and Bonnelle Lawson Valentine. He is a graduate of Gainesville High School and the University of Georgia. He is survived by his mother, Bonnelle Lawson Valentine of Gainesville; his devoted and cherished love, Terry Tenaglia of Grosse Point Woods, MI; brother, Dick, and his wife, Cherry of Gainesville,; brother, Dr. Mike Valentine and his wife, Shannon, of Virginia; and six nieces and nephews, Leigh and Neil Papevies, Brad, Catherine, John Thomas (his namesake), and Brooke. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Herbert Edward Valentine, Jr., and brother, Herbert Edward "Boots" Valentine III. Tommy attended Gainesville City Schools. At the age of 11, after being struck by a car while serving as a crossing guard, he was left with multiple injuries including a broken back. After a year of rehabilitation, Tommy returned to become one of the great athletes in Gainesville High School history, earning nine Varsity letters as an All State quarterback, point guard and golfer. After considering a college football career, Tommy decided to play golf at the University of Georgia, eventually winning the SEC Championship and being named 1st Team All American (1970-1971). Tommy played the PGA tour for 10 years, achieved the top 40 earning status, and developed friendships that would last a lifetime. After leaving the tour, he was named Head Pro at the Lochmoor Club in Grosse Point Woods, MI, from which he retired in 2009. Known for many distinguished achievements, Tommy's greatest legacy will be his incredible love of family and friends, his passion for teaching golf and all of life's important lessons, and his remarkable gift for bringing our world closer together. He lived life fully, leaving it all on the course, even to the end. The Valentine family is grateful for the compassionate care of Dr. Frank Lake. The Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Washington Street, Tuesday, July 15 at 2:00PM, with a reception to follow at the Church. In lieu of flowers, Tommy would ask that you consider a contribution the BIG RED GOLF FUND, c/o Gainesville High School Athletic Club; the Evans Scholarship Fund for Caddies, c/o Lochmoor Club in Grosse Point Woods, MI; or St. Paul United Methodist Church. Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at littledavenport.com Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Hwy, SW, Gainesville, GA 30501 is in charge of arrangements 770-534-5201

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Published by The Palm Beach Post from Jul. 15 to Jul. 16, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas VALENTINE

Not sure what to say?





May 1, 2017

TV always had a smile and was willing to offer his help to those of us who love the game. He inspired golfers to
want to be better players and led others to be better people. See you on he back nine Tommy.
Dave Budai Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

August 7, 2014

TOMMY WAS ONE OF THE FINEST TRUE GENTLEMEN WE HAVE EVER MET.WE WILL SORELY MISS HIS GREAT SMILE, HIS PATIENCE WITH OUR GOLF GAMES,AND THE WARMTH THAT WAS ALWAYS PRESENT.TRULY A GREAT LOSS FOR ALL THOSE THAT KNEW HIM..STEVE AND MARY PEMBROOK

A. Golfer

July 31, 2014

Word spread at Ga Amatuer igolf tournament in Macon a few weeks ago of Tommy's death. Proper respect to a gentleman.

Joe Gorski

July 27, 2014

I was delighted to have met Tommy when he joined me and my partner for lunch at the Beaumont Hospital outing at CC of Detroit in 2012. God Bless the family and friends of Tommy.

Debra Bradley

July 20, 2014

Simply one of God's best. My life was brighter with you in it and now heaven has a new star.

Rev. Thomas Barnes

July 18, 2014

May Tommy rest in the eternal peace of God.

Abigail Kowaleski

July 18, 2014

I met TV in the 1980's and was lucky to become a longtime friend. TV is a kind, loyal and very funny friend. I'm sad I missed our last phone call but can almost fill in the words.

My prayers go to the Valentine Family and His Cherished Friends.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the star shine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.
By Mary Elizabeth Frye

Martin Underwood

July 17, 2014

Knowing TV for 35 years was special. Played a lot of golf and had many many fun times with him.It's surreal he is gone. I will miss him. He was a good man. God bless and my best to all the family.

July 17, 2014

I was so sorry to hear that Tommy lost his battle to cancer. He was a great guy and golfer. My husband was Jim Picard and he and Tommy were friends. As you may know Jim was also pro at Lochmoor. Madeline Picard

Iris Thomas

July 16, 2014

May the God of all comfort grant your family peace at this very sad time.

Clark Spratlin

July 16, 2014

Rest in Peace TV! Its all fairways and greens!

Bob Young

July 16, 2014

What a great guy and UGA golfer. Tommy was a lot of my inspiration when I started my UGA golf career. We will miss him and that great smile.

Elaine Mathews Ralston

July 15, 2014

What a great fellow! The Valentine Family has always been specialt to my family, many close connections beginning with Doc and Mrs. Bonnie . May The Lord comfort you as only he can as you say goodbye for a short while to your precious son, brother, and husband..

Don Williams, Jr.

July 15, 2014

Dick,
We at CGC will miss Tommy and always have great memories of him.

Bill Tome

July 15, 2014

Dick and Mike,

I was very sorry to hear of Tommy's death. My best to both of you and your Mom. I will remember forever that Sunday at Atlanta Country Club when Tommy battled Tom Watson and fell just short.

tom jackson

July 15, 2014

Tommy was a great man, and will be missed by all that new him.

Tom Jackson

July 15, 2014

TV,,,yes see you ustairs

Leonard Jones

July 15, 2014

One of the nicest guys I've had the pleasure of knowing. He always seemed to enjoy helping the less talented on a golf course. RIP Tommy

Kathy Kalnin

July 15, 2014

Wonderful memories of a great guy; he will be missed

Little Davenport Funeral Home

July 15, 2014

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

July 15, 2014

Offering my deepest condolences. ( Ps 46 : 1 )

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Memorial Events
for Thomas VALENTINE

Jul

15

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

St. Paul United Methodist Church

Washington Street, FL

Funeral services provided by:

Little & Davenport Funeral Home & Crematory

355 Dawsonville Highway SW, Gainesville, GA 30501

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