Thomas Jefferson Haas Jr "Tommy"

Thomas Jefferson Haas, Jr., our Tommy, ended his earthly journey on Saturday, September 13, in Conyers, GA. He is predeceased by parents TJ and Ida Mumford (Idee) Haas; brother Frederick Edward (Freddy) Haas; and beloved son Thomas Jefferson Haas, III (Jerry).

Tommy is survived by his wife Lucy Barnell (Bonnie) Little Haas; brother-in-law Ronald Little (Beverly); son Terre Haas (Susan); daughter-in-law Kay Vickers (Jerry); daughters Cathy Haas Baskin (John) and Angela Haas Chadbourne (Col. John, retired); grandchildren Jonathan Haas (Karah); David Haas (Melanie); Blake Haas (Allison); Alan Haas (Glenda); Thomas Haas IV ( Liz); Jesse Haas Baskin (Lauren Heath); Jake Baskin of Munich, Germany (Sonja Lipka); Will Baskin; Amanda Chadbourne and Caroline Chadbourne; 13 great grandchildren and one great-great grandson; several loving nieces and nephews and Haas, Mumford and Little cousins.

Tommy was born in Jacksonville, FL, on April 6, 1930. He graduated with the first 12-year senior class of Greenville High in Greenville, SC. He was a championship Golden Gloves Boxer, competing as far away as Chicago and in the US Navy.

Tommy enlisted in the US Navy in July 1948 and proudly served as an Airman on the flight deck repair crew of the USS Boxer CV 21. After serving he returned to Atlanta in July of 1949, briefly attending the Atlanta Division of the University of Georgia. It was there he met the love of his life, Lucy Barnell 'Bonnie' Little. They married on February 2, 1951, in the bride's home on DeKalb Avenue. Bonnie and Tommy lived in the Atlanta area all of their lives. They raised their four children in Decatur and in 1996 moved to Conyers.

Tommy began working in the record and entertainment industry. He was in the studio when Ray Charles recorded in Atlanta. He worked with artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Pat Boone, and Little Richard, promoting their records to local radio stations. Later in the early 60's he became a youth football coach with the DeKalb Yellow Jackets. He coached from 1963 through 1983, making cherished friendships and helping young men develop their athletic abilities.

Tommy was a professional umpire, working all over the NE Georgia area. He umpired at every level of baseball and softball including high school and college. He served as Umpire-in-Chief for the Atlanta Baseball Umpires Association and in 1993 he was chosen to be the Official of the Year by the GA Athletic Coaches Association. As an umpire he enjoyed the friendship of colleagues and being 'in charge.

As the record industry began to change, Tommy changed paths. He began working at the DeKalb County Sheltered Workshop, first working directly with clients and then as the Contract Procurement Officer. He retired from this work in 1995 after 14 years of service. During these years and until he was 70, he trained and ran in several Peachtree Road races and half-marathons. He and Bonnie enjoyed many trips to Europe. During their travels he discovered that his ancestors had immigrated from Attiswil, Switzerland. He befriended a family there and made several visits exploring his Haas ancestry.

As they began retirement in Conyers GA, Tommy embraced life in the community there. He worked in the county tag office and became a volunteer Starter/Marshall at the Cherokee Run Golf Club. He was known by staff and golfers alike for his witty repartee and sunny disposition. At dinner time you could usually find him at Cozumel, his favorite restaurant. Tommy was a lifelong Methodist and he and Bonnie became members of Conyers First Methodist Church.

Tommy was a faithful and adoring husband, who parented with love and integrity. He was a beloved grandfather, who loved to recount his experiences. He especially loved to tell the story of meeting, wooing, and marrying his lovely bride, Bonnie Little. As a proud wearer of the Clan Buchanan Scottish tartan, he embodied the motto: Clarior Hinc Onos (Brighter Hence the Honor).

Tommy was eternally cheerful and was known for his great sense of humor and witty comebacks. He loved to sing along with Ray Charles, Jimmy Buffett, Jim Croce, and Louis Jordan. He never met a stranger and made connections with people wherever he went. He was an avid reader, especially of mysteries and histories. He loved to dance and he was always singing. He will be greatly mourned and missed, and we will continue his legacy of love, laughter, and music in the years to come.

Scott Ward Funeral Services, Conyers, GA, will handle arrangements:

Thursday, September 18: Viewing and visitation, 5-8pm, Scot Ward's

Friday, September 19, Viewing and visitation, 9-10:30am, Scot Ward's

Friday, September 19, Memorial Service, 11:30am, Conyers First Methodist Church, with reception afterwards.

Floral tributes are welcome or in lieu of flowers, donations in Tommy's memory can be made to Conyers First Methodist Church or to a charity of your choice.