Thomas Eddie Kingery, 84, passed away on October 22, 2023, peacefully in his home.

He was born in Pulaski to Lola Irene Bagby and Thomas Eddie Kingery Sr. on March 17, 1939, and graduated from Metter High School in 1957.

Tom attended the University of Georgia before entering the U.S Navy, where he served in the submarine service on the USS Bashaw.

He was a member of First Baptist Church for more than 50 years and was in the Open-Door Sunday School Class.

Tom worked as a cost accountant with IGA, business manager with Franklin Chevrolet and account executive with Universal Underwriters Insurance Company.

He was a member of the Jaycees and the Downtown Optimist Club, where he served as president in 2001. Tom was also a member of the Downtown Rotary Club, where he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow.

He worked as a poll worker for several years, was a member of the Board of Equalization for five years and served as the treasurer of the SnookPac.

Tom was a Statesboro Sigma Chi Alumni Association member. He served as Sigma Chi president in 2000. The Statesboro Sigma Chi Alumni Chapter Scholarship was established in 1998 by Thomas E. Kingery. The purpose of the endowment is to provide financial support and recognition to outstanding students attending Georgia Southern University.

Tom was one of the original members of the Southern Boosters Inc., now known as Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation, Inc., and was faithful in his continual financial support, including a special gift toward construction of the Ted Smith Family Football Center.

He was an avid fan and was a season ticket holder until his health prevented his attendance.

Tom enjoyed golf outings with his friends, especially the Thursday golfing at Scarboro Bluff with Arthur Howard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Bobby Gene Kingery; his first wife, Linda Powell Kingery; half brother, Bernard Troy Kingery; and half sister, Beryl Kingery Cashore.

He is survived by his wife, Diane E. Kingery; son, Bryan Keith Kingery; daughter-in-law, Lisa Hogan; granddaughter, Kristin Kingery Sparks (Joseph); and stepsons, Jeffery D. Garchow and Christopher M. Garchow; nieces, Jackie Dantuano, Debbie Santoro and Lisa Hermann; nephews, Mike Kingery and Kevin Kingery.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at Deal Funeral Directors.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Deal Funeral Directors with Dr. John Waters officiating. Burial will follow in Bulloch Memorial Gardens.

Deal Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Statesboro Herald, October 25, 2023

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