Carter Funeral Home honorably announces the peaceful transition of Mr. Thomas Franklin Waller, Jr, (80) of Marietta GA.

Affectionately known and loved as “Tom,” Mr. Waller transitioned into eternity during the afternoon hours of December 6, 2022, in Marietta, GA.

The Commemoration of Life Reception will be held Saturday December 17, 2022, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Southern Cremations and Funerals of Marietta 1861 Dallas Highway, Marietta, GA 30064.

Guests may stop by at their leisure during this time frame to pay their final respect to Mr. Waller. The family will be on hand to meet and greet attendees and invite you to join them for light refreshments and moments of reflection.

The Farewell Life Celebration including Military Honors at Graveside will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Georgia National Veterans Cemetery, Canton, GA.

In accordance with recommended COVID-19 Protocols, all attendees are requested to utilize appropriate facial coverings, maintain social distancing, and minimize physical contact.

Thomas Waller Jr was born in Gadsden, Alabama, the first of fraternal twin boys born to Harriett and Thomas Waller, Sr. His mother wanted both sons to be named for their father, so she inverted the names – Thomas Franklin and Franklin Thomas.

Thomas graduated from Carver High School in Gadsden, Alabama and went to college at Tuskegee University where he received an undergraduate degree in Construction Engineering. While there he became a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and was an avid participant in the Tuskegee University Marching Band as a member all four years, and as a band leader as an upperclassman.

Upon graduation he went to Officer Candidate School to become a lieutenant in the US Army, and married his college sweetheart, fellow Tuskegee graduate Frankie Kegler. He later furthered his education with a master’s degree in Personnel Management from Troy State University.

Thomas was a staff member of the Army Corps of Engineers and served in Vietnam before returning to continue his military service stateside and in Germany. In his post Army career, he worked for both the Federal Aviation Administration and the General Services Administration – ultimately retiring from the latter.

Thomas is survived by two children, Thomas Waller III and Olivia Waller Bethea, as well as five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

The Staff of Carter Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with The Final Life Celebration Arrangements for the late Mr. Thomas Franklin Waller, Jr.