Tom Waggoner

Roy Thomas (Tom) Waggoner, 88, of Dawsonville, GA, passed away on Oct. 18, 2022, leaving behind his wife Carol and children Jill Waggoner Morris (Greg), Jeff Thomas Waggoner (Lisa) and Jon Garrett Waggoner (Kammi), as well as many other loving family members and friends. Mr. and Mrs. Waggoner were married for 62 years and were completely devoted to one another.

Mr. Waggoner was born in Birmingham, AL on Jan. 19, 1934, and spent a great amount of what he called his “magical childhood” on his grandparents’ farm in Lynchburg, TN, along with his beloved siblings and cousins Jabo Waggoner and Anne Pyburn.

Mr. Waggoner graduated from Dunn High School, where he was class president, an outstanding athlete and senior superlative. His skills led him to a football scholarship at Wake Forest University. He later transferred to East Carolina University where he also played football and graduated in 1956 with a degree in physical education.

Later that year, Mr. Waggoner joined the Navy, serving active duty on the cruiser USS Canberra as a quartermaster with the rank of seaman. He played football on the Navy team while in port. Mr. Waggoner greatly enjoyed sharing stories about his active and adventurous childhood, as well as his occasional misadventures with his brothers and teammates.

Following his Navy stint, Mr. Waggoner returned to Birmingham, married Carol, the beautiful young love of his life, and entered the insurance business. His job led him to move his family to the Atlanta area, where he and Carol raised their children in a warm, loving environment in Tucker. He retired from Allstate Insurance after 35 years of service in the industry.

Through the years, Mr. Waggoner and his family experienced many happy trips and vacations. His favorite and most often-frequented trips were to the family cabin on Lake Martin in Alabama and to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, where he enjoyed fishing, skiing, biking and swimming.

He was a longtime member of the Church of Christ, an avid follower and fan of Auburn University and greatly enjoyed cooking and baking. His outstanding pies were well-known and in tremendous demand.

In addition, he had excellent talent as a craftsman, often producing furniture and keepsakes for his family. He coached his sons’ teams vigorously and frequently, dispensing wise counsel and making everyone around him feel completely at ease.

His size and strength could not hide his kindness, gentleness and easy-going manner. He had unlimited patience, even when it was severely tested.

In addition to his wife and children, Mr. Waggoner leaves behind his brother Bill Waggoner (Wade), sister Kay Waggoner Tipton (Johnny-deceased), nine grandchildren (Chris Waggoner, Katie Waggoner, Sullivan Poole, Jake Morris, Colin Poole, Rett Waggoner, Zack Waggoner, and Emery Waggoner), one great-grandchild (Ellie Poole), as well as nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Ingle Waggoner, mother Ruth Gravlee Waggoner, brother Mayo Waggoner, and grandson Sean Poole.

Affectionately known as “Tommy Daddy” to his grandchildren, Mr. Waggoner was loved and respected by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. As his oldest grandson said, “He was the best example of a man I have ever known.” His sister remarked: “He was one of the sweetest brothers that ever lived,” and his wife Carol said, “There was never a better man born in this world.” He was a living testament to kindness and a role model to us all.

The family will receive friends at 11:00 AM on Saturday, Oct. 22, at Roswell Funeral Home, with a service there at noon. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Roswell, the cemetery located immediately behind the funeral home.

Streaming is available to those who are unable to attend via Zoom at:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/84922563264?pwd=a1dQK1o2cDJBNElvdU5jeUJBT3FxUT09#success

Meeting ID: 849 2256 3264

Passcode: 954563

One tap mobile

+13092053325,,84922563264#,,,,*954563# US

+13126266799,,84922563264#,,,,*954563# US (Chicago)

Dial by your location

+1 309 205 3325 US

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

+1 646 931 3860 US

+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

+1 360 209 5623 US

+1 386 347 5053 US

+1 564 217 2000 US

+1 669 444 9171 US

+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)

+1 719 359 4580 US

Meeting ID: 849 2256 3264

Passcode: 954563