Sandy Springs Chapel Funeral Directors
Thomas Allen "Tom" Harkins, 72, of Roswell passed away on October 24 at his home with his loving wife of almost 20 years, Geri, by his side. Not allowing a seven-year battle with cancer to deter his love for adventure, he and Geri continued to enjoy exploring the world together. Tom was born in Akron, Ohio on January 9, 1949. During his childhood in Cuyahoga Falls, he was an active member in the Men and Boys Choir at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. It was an honor to be a member of this prestigious traveling choral group founded in 1895. Also, his love for water began at an early age and during his years attending Falls High School, he competed on an elite swim team. The Akron YMCA Camp Y-Noah, where he was a camper and later a counselor, played a foundational role in his adolescent years. He cherished these memories and continued to support the camp throughout his life. After graduating from Ohio University in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in communications, Tom moved to Atlanta to begin his career in sales management in the rubber and plastics industry. His career enabled him to travel and establish long lasting friendships all over the world. He retired in 2017 after 27 years with H.M. Royal. Tom's many hobbies reflected his adventurous spirit. He enjoyed spending days on his boat on Lake Lanier, hiking and camping with his son Chris, and entertaining with his wife and many friends. When he was not traveling, he reveled in telling stories of his adventures and planning his next trips. Tom will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him for his grit, bravery, and gentle spirit. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Hester. His is survived by his wife Geri; sister Judy Buzzi of Charlotte, NC; son Chris Harkins (Liz) of Redondo Beach, CA; daughters Dedee Bowden (Steve) and Shannon Sherrer (Tim); grandchildren Heather Rosso (Brian), Nathan Bowden (Brenna), Bryan Bowden, Matthew Sherrer (Kayci), Anna Catherine Bowden, Sara Ann Sherrer, and great-grandson Braxton Rosso, all of Athens, GA; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. Tom's life will be celebrated with a service at Sandy Springs Chapel at 136 Mount Vernon Highway on Friday, October 29 at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Akron YMCA Camp Y-Noah (give.akronymca.org/CampYNoah2021) or the American Lung Association (www.lung.org/).
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