Thomas Glenn "Tommy" McGarity, III

GOOOOO DAWGS!!!!!!

Mr. Thomas Glenn "Tommy" McGarity III, 65, of Stoney Creek Drive, Elberton, husband of 34 years to the late Catherine Denise "Cathi" Smith McGarity, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 13, 2023. His death was in the manner in which he wanted - peacefully at his residence, surrounded by the love of his family and closest friends.

Born in Rock Hill, SC on January 29, 1958, Tommy was the only son and oldest child of the late Thomas Glenn McGarity, Jr. and Lavinia Harper McGarity. He spent his youth in Elberton where he grew up on Brookside Drive and graduated from Samuel Elbert Academy. Following graduation, he attended the University of Georgia where his love of UGA football, and having a damn good time, flourished. Tommy proudly graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics, after 7 years of being the life of the party.

He returned to Elberton where he joined the family business, Harmony Blue Granite Company, as the third generation to operate the company founded by his grandfather. Tommy’s faith was instilled in him from an early age at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, and continued at First United Methodist Church here in Elberton,


In addition to Georgia football, he was a lover of golf, cracking jokes, and more than anything, his daughter Lauren. Tommy and Cathi spent their marriage enjoying many trips to Fripp Island, SC, and always looked forward to their standing date night at the Village Grill in Abbeville each weekend.

He leaves behind his daughter and love of his life, Lauren Catherine McGarity of Elberton; sisters: Laura Sanders of Batesville, MS and Susan Farrish of Clemson, SC; mother-in-law, Sybil Ruff Smith of Elberton; and best friend, David Giannoni of Elberton.

The family is at the residence and will receive friends on Tuesday, August 15, from 7:00-8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. 

Memorial services celebrating Tommy's life will be held on Wednesday, August 16, at 11:00a.m. at the McGarity Mausoleum in Elberton’s Historic Elmhurst Cemetery, officiated by the Rev. Jim McCollough. At his request, Tommy’s cremated remains will be placed in the mausoleum and with his wife at Falling Creek Baptist Church cemetery. 

Those attending the visitation and memorial service are encouraged to wear red, black, or UGA attire.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to Elberton’s new Grace United Methodist Church, PO Box 956, Elberton, GA 30635.

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

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Thomas Glenn "Tommy" McGarity.