George Thomas Oglesby, Jr.

George Thomas “Tom” Oglesby, Jr. entered into rest in the comfort of his Elberton, Georgia residence on Monday, November 27, 2023, at 5:30a.m., the time in which he usually left for work. He was 78.

Born on Halloween 1945, Tom completed the George T. and Josephine Oglesby family, joining two older sisters, Ethel and Marcia. Having lived most of his life in Elberton, he graduated from Elbert County High School with the class of 1963. Tom was proud to have been Captain of the 1962 Region Champion Blue Devil Football team. He furthered his education at his beloved University of Georgia, graduating in 1967 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. 

Tom returned home in 1967 to join the family business, Keystone Granite. Just as his father before him, he dedicated his life to the betterment of Keystone, which is currently operated by the third generation of the Oglesby family, and the granite industry. He served as a Division President of the Monument Builders of North America and served as president of the Elberton Granite Association eight times. Tom also served on the Elbert Memorial Hospital Authority Board. 

He was a dedicated supporter of University of Georgia Athletics. An avid football fan, there are very few UGA football games that Tom missed. Those closest to Tom knew not to plan anything during football Saturdays if you wanted him to attend! He was an avid farmer who spend many hours on the farm tending to his cattle. 

Tom Oglesby’s legacy will continue to impact the granite industry, the University of Georgia, and beyond for many generations. He will be remembered for giving almost everyone he knew a nickname - sometimes a compliment and sometimes not but always out of love. 

Surviving are his wife of 24 years, Elaine Seymour Oglesby; children: George Thomas Oglesby, III and his wife Tina of Elberton, Laura Elizabeth O. Hernandez and her husband Jesse of Elberton, Ross Arnold Oglesby and his wife Amy of Watkinsville, Kevin Rice and his wife Allison of Elberton, and Melanie Albertson of Hartwell; sister, Ethel Horton of St. Simons Island; grandchildren: Gray Oglesby and his wife Caylor, Maribeth Hernandez, Molly Oglesby, Marjorie Hernandez, Brock Oglesby, Justin Rice and his wife Karly, Austin Albertson, Marissa Hernandez, Lily Oglesby, and Zeb Oglesby; great-grandchildren: Nyla, Lucy Jo, and Magnolia; special companion, Sadie; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, George Thomas Oglesby, Sr. and Josephine Fortson Oglesby; and sister, Marcia Oglesby Esch. 

Tom will lie in state on Wednesday, November 29, from 10:00a.m.-7:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home, for those wishing to pay their respects and sign the guestbook. 

Honoring his request, a cryptside service will be held on Thursday, November 30, at 3:00p.m. at the Oglesby Mausoleum in Elberton’s Historic Elmhurst Cemetery. Rev. Andrew Danals will officiate. The family is at the residence where they will receive friends.

To honor Tom’s love of Georgia athletics, attendees are encouraged to wear red and black attire.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to Granite Country Animal Partners, Inc., 4928 Elberton Highway, Hartwell, GA 30643 or to Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com. 

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for George Thomas “Tom” Oglesby, Jr.