Thomas Henry “Tommy” Colley Sr., 81, of Patterson, passed away Friday, September 25, 2026, at Memorial Health Meadows Hospital in Vidalia, following a sudden illness.
Born in Jesup July 16, 1945, he lived in Pierce County all of his life. He retired from CSX Transportation after 36 years of dedicated service as a carman. A man of strong faith and a servant’s heart, he had been a faithful member of Offerman Baptist Church since the early 1980s. Throughout the years, he served his church in many capacities, including as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and youth leader. His desire to serve others extended far beyond his home church. Over a nine-year period, he participated in more than 13 mission trips, giving his time and talents to help others and share his faith.
He was also devoted to his community and was currently serving his third term as a member of the Offerman City Council. Anyone who knew him knew how much he loved people. Affectionately known by many as “Brother T” and “Papa T,” he never met a stranger and was well known for giving hugs to just about everyone he encountered. He loved his family dearly, especially his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and treasured every opportunity he had to spend time with them.
In his younger years, he enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing. Although it had been many years since he had been able to play golf, he always enjoyed the memories and friendships the game brought him. Fishing remained especially meaningful when one of his grandchildren asked to go and he was always ready to take them. He also enjoyed his daily trips to the Breakfast Club at Sweet T’s, where he treasured the fellowship and friendships he made over the years and considered those gathered there part of his extended family.
Perhaps only one thing could rival his love for his family and church — his Pierce County Bears. He was, without question, one of the Bears’ biggest fans. He loved Pierce County athletics and proudly bled blue and silver. Whether supporting the Bears from the stands or simply talking about them around town, his love for
Pierce County was evident to everyone who knew him.
He was a son of the late Ottis Eli and Macy Inez Douberly Colley. He was also preceded in death by his two sisters, Shirel Carmichael and Diane Johnson; his brother, Jerry Dale Colley and two brothers-in-law, Jr. Johnson and Joe
Carmichael.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Patsy Ruth Cason Colley, Patterson; two daughters and sons-in-law, Deena (Kevin) Woodcock and Tara (Ken) Dixon, all of Patterson; a son and daughter-in-law, Hank (Regina) Colley of Jesup; six grandchildren, Dara (Jasper) Stokes, Macy Woodcock, Drei (Jade) Colley, Ashton (Robert) LayPort, Mickey (Taylor) Dixon and Lizzie (Taylor) Dixon; ten great-grandchildren, Gage, Jace, Atlas, Harlow, Willow, Waverly, Liberty, Jackson, Grayson, and Hayes-Brooks; two brothers and sisters-in-law, the Rev. Edward (Carol) Colley and Gary (June) Colley, all of Patterson; his sister and brother-in-law, Linda (Dewey) Lowman, Patterson and several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at Offerman Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, from the
Offerman Baptist Church with the Rev. James Lightsey, the Rev. Edward Colley and the Rev. Don Patterson officiating.
**The family kindly asks all in attendance wear Bear blue or Bear attire.**
Interment will follow in the Mill Creek Cemetery near Patterson.
Active pallbearers will be Mickey Dixon, Drei Colley, Robert LayPort, Taylor Dixon, Gage Colley and Jace Colley.
The family kindly requests members of the Illuminators Sunday School Class and the deacons of Offerman Baptist Church to serve as honorary pallbearers. They are asked to please be at the church by 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Offerman Baptist Church Building Fund or to the Pierce County Athletics Department.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear is honored to serve the Colley family during this time.
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