Tom W. Mahaffey

Tom was born in DeLand, Florida to Kate and Pierre Mahaffey on August 5, 1931. All of his school days were spent in DeLand, FL. He graduated from Stetson University with a degree in Journalism. He married Kathleen Fields on February 20, 1955 in DeLand, FL.

Tom was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the U.S. Navy. After leaving active duty he became a reservist, retiring in 1974 as a Commander.

In 1958 they settled in Jacksonville, FL where their three daughters, Jill, Beth and Anne grew up.

Tom worked as a marketing and public relations director for WJXT, the Jacksonville CBS affiliate and later marketing director for Regency Square Shopping Center. He continued his career in Property Management for Lakewest Equity Management and Beta Properties. Tom and his wife, Kathie, owned two businesses, The Furniture Store in Jacksonville, FL and T. Wyatt, Ltd in Boston, MA and DeLand, FL.

In 2000, Tom and Kathie moved to Atlanta to be close to their grandsons and two of their daughters. Tom was very active at the Cathedral of St. Philip faithfully attending The Dean's Men's Bible Study, serving as Sunday school teacher, new comers committee member, Habitat for Humanity volunteer and information desk volunteer. In 2016, Tom and Kathie were named honorary chairs of the Cathedral Antiques Show. He was a guide at the Fox Theater. He held a variety of positions with Atlanta Arrangements. He volunteered with Lifespan. He attended many market days at ADAC, keeping up with current design trends. But Tom’s greatest joy was being a support for his grandsons, Nate and Matthew.

Tom participated in many organizations including,

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity

The Ad Club, Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville Children’s Hospital, Board of Trustees

Jacksonville Children’s Museum, Board of Trustees

Led the preservation and restoration of The Florida Theater, Jacksonville, FL

South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church, Elder

Christ Church, Ponte Vedra Beach, Parishioner

Tom loved gardening, traveling the world and spending time at the Ponte Vedra Beach Surf Club. He was committed to his daily exercise regime.

Tom documented his life experiences with photographs and journals. Such a gift to his family.

He attended hundreds of performances – theater, symphony orchestras, operas both at home and abroad all chronicled in his journals. He loved to try new restaurants! His busy social life included keeping up with childhood friends his entire life.

Tom was preceded in death by parents, his two brothers, Pete and Dick and his sister Mary Jane.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Kathie Mahaffey, his children Jill Mahaffey, Beth Mahaffey (David Anderson), and Anne M. Ladd (Paul Ladd) and grandsons Nate Ladd and Matthew Ladd. Many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2025 at the Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta, GA. Arrangements are by H.M. Patterson & Son.

Memorials may be given to FOCUS, 3825 Presidential Parkway, Suite 103, Atlanta, GA. 30340, www.focus-ga.org/donate; or The Isabel O’Neil Foundation for the Art of the Painted Finish, 315 E 91st Street, New York, NY 10128. www.isabeloneil.org

The family of Tom Mahaffey wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Fatima Osinowo, Nina Nathaniel and Inspire Hospice.