Thomas “Tommy” D. Voyles
September 2, 1940 – June 2, 2023
Thomas “Tommy” D. Voyles Sr, 82, reached his final resting place on June 2, 2023. He died as he slept peacefully. He was born in Grady County to Frank and Louise Voyles.
Tommy graduated from Cairo High School in 1958. After graduation, he began his career with Citizens Bank, now known as First National Bank. He started in February 1959 as a cashier and retired in February 1990 as bank president. Tommy was held in the highest regard within the banking community. He was respected and kind. He always opened his hand and door to his colleagues and community. People enjoyed coming by the bank to visit with him. He had impeccable ethics and led his staff with honesty and integrity. He had an easy smile, a quick laugh, and an even faster handshake that usually evolved into a hug.
Banking was Tommy’s work, but his greatest passion was the great outdoors. His life’s best moments were intertwined with nature. His love for nature included camping, golfing, gardening, hunting, and fishing. He grew amazing vegetable gardens. His gardens were healthy, planted in straight rows and filled with luscious green plants. He hunted deer with family and friends. He could fill an afternoon with stories of being in the woods hunting deer. Every man has to believe in something, and Tommy believed in fishing. Tommy fished every day. He fished not to escape from life, but he fished to become more deeply immersed in it. He said lots of prayers and worked out problems on a boat while holding a fishing pole in his hands. He understood that fishing was not solely about the catch, but the journey and the company it took to get there.
Every morning for the past 30 years, Tommy could be found in a local lake fishing with his lifelong friend, Sammy George. He traveled to Norman Park to fish with his brother Jimmy Voyles each week. He enjoyed fishing in Alaska with his close friend, Hampton Ward. He also contributed time and labor to help Hampton build the Train Museum. It was important to him to give back to the community where he lived. He would frequently lend a hand in any way that he could help. He served on the Hospital Authority Board. He coached a Ladies City League Softball team. He also served as president of the Kiwanis Club.
Fishing was not the only defining aspect of Tommy’s life. Beyond the hunting fields and lakes, he loved his family, who will miss him tremendously. He is survived by: his treasured wife of 61 years, Sadie W. Voyles of Cairo, GA; a daughter, Dorcas Evans (Blair) Cairo, GA, and daughter-in-law Janet Voyles (Tommy) Douglasville, GA; 3 grandchildren: David Moore, Cairo, GA, Lindsay Childers (Travis) Dallas, GA; Brian Voyles (Tayler) Tyrone, GA; great-grandchildren Aria, Carter, and Avery. Survivors also include his siblings: Cornelia Voyles Rackley Marietta, GA, Jimmy Voyles (Robbie) Norman Park, GA and Paul Voyles (Carolyn) Moultrie, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Louise Voyles, his brothers Mike Voyles and Jeff Voyles, and his son, Tommy Voyles, Jr.
Tommy was an active member of Providence Baptist Church. He enjoyed feeding the members every week. Tommy planned each meal with great detail and even fed crowds with the fish he caught.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, June 4, 2023, at Providence Baptist Church, Whigham, GA. Rev Jimmy Voyles will officiate. The family will receive friends immediately following the funeral service. Services will conclude at the church. Private interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Cairo, GA.
Honorary Pallbearers are Christopher Voyles, Sammy George. John & Jeanette Starling, Donna & Ray Connell, and Patty Griffin.
