Thomas Baker "Tom" Slick Jr.

1949 - 2025

Thomas Baker "Tom" Slick, Jr.
May 5, 1949 - May 23, 2025
Thomas Baker "Tom" Slick, Jr., age 76, passed away with his children by his side on May 23, 2025. He was born on May 5, 1949, in San Antonio, TX, to Thomas Baker Slick and Polly Nixon Slick. He was preceded in death by his father, his infant daughter Jennifer, and his beloved wife of 33 years, Cathie Testa Slick.

He is survived by his two children: Thomas Baker "Tebeau" Slick IV and S. Tanner Slick (Darah Gillum); his three grandchildren: Sagan, Zeno, and Sterling; and his first wife, the mother of his children, Lindy Hancock Slick. He is also survived by his mother, Polly Pater; his brothers, Wid and Chuck Slick (Liz); his sisters, Patty Beem (Brian) and Polly Pater; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family in Texas.


He attended The Lawrenceville School (NJ) and graduated from The Lovett School (Atlanta, GA) leaving legendary pranks in his wake. He went to Yale University, where he met lifelong friends Jim Foorman, Frank Burkett and David Ryugo. He graduated with Honors in Psychology and Pre-Med in 1970.

He began medical school at Emory University and was at the top of his class but detoured to pursue eclectic interests including southern California business ventures in electronics and furthering his father's scientific interests in areas ranging from human consciousness to Big Foot. He moved to San Antonio where he became president of the Mind Science Foundation. As President and then a Lifetime Trustee, he played a crucial role in reviving the Foundation, helping modernize its mission and build its science and education agendas. He was also a board member of the Texas Biomedical Foundation. These were two of the organizations established by his late father.

Upon his return to Atlanta, Tom and his siblings founded Slick Enterprises, an oil, gas, and real estate group. He also wanted to try grape growing for wine production in North Georgia. In 1983 he and Lindy established Habersham Vineyards and Winery, in Helen. His lobbying at the state capitol paved the way for the development of Georgia's wine industry. Tom's life project was creating Nacoochee Village, a retail operation offering shopping, dining and a variety of outdoor adventures.

Tom had an inimitable mind and brilliant sense of humor. He once wrote a long wedding toast, completely in verse, on a roll of toilet paper. He always had a ballpoint pen in his breast pocket, just in case. The best days of his later life were Sunday evenings with his children, grandchildren and his mother. He is loved by many and profoundly missed.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mind Science Foundation at 117 W. El Prado Dr., San Antonio, TX 78212.