Thomas Paul Foster Sr.

Thomas Paul Foster, Sr., age 77, passed away peacefully at his home in Young Harris,

Georgia, on January 28, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on July 23,

1947, in Murphy, North Carolina, he grew up in Young Harris, Georgia, a place he

cherished throughout his life.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Marjorie Louise Adams Foster and Paul

Western Foster, Jr., and his sister, Catherine Foster. He is survived by his devoted wife

of 58 years, Andrea Nichols Foster; his daughter, Lisa Foster-Morrow (Kirk Morrow); his

son, Thomas Paul Foster, Jr. (Tracy Foster); and six beloved grandchildren: Payton

Morrow, Grayson Morrow, Jacob Foster, Amelia Foster, Michelle Sandlin, and Kendall

Sandlin.

A proud veteran, Tom served his country in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971, including

time in Vietnam. He pursued higher education with determination, graduating from

Young Harris College in 1972 and Georgia State University in 1976. His career included

over two decades as a senior executive with Sears Roebuck and Company and later

work in the computer industry in the Atlanta area before retiring to his hometown.

Tom was a member of Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church for over 67 years and

an active community member. He was the first Eagle Scout in Towns County and a

member of the Order of the Arrow. He also led the horse program at Camp Pioneer for

the Atlanta YMCA and was an enthusiastic supporter of Young Harris College athletics,

with a special love for the Men’s soccer, baseball and basketball teams. An avid

outdoorsman, Thomas found joy in hunting, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and

exploring the mountains he called home. His love for sports began as a high school

athlete and continued as a dedicated booster of Young Harris College’s athletic

programs.

Visitation will be held at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home in Hiawassee on January 31, 2025

from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place at Sharp Memorial United

Methodist Church in Young Harris on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside

service to follow at Old Union Cemetery. Flowers are welcome or donations may be

made to the E.L. and May Adams Scholarship Fund at Young Harris College.

Tom will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those

who loved him. The family extends their thanks and gratitude to Traditions Health and their team of nurses who provided excellent hospice care for the last three months of Tom’s life. 

Banister-Cooper is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Foster.