Thomas Earl Irving

Tom Irving, son of Marian Grace Irving (nee Forman) (1923-2006), and Wallace Earl Irving (1917-1993). Tom (aka Papa Tom, aka Santa Tom) passed from this world peacefully into the arms of the Lord Sunday, May 28, 2017 while comfortably napping in his favorite chair, seated beside his doting wife & best friend of nearly 18 years, Terry Irving. He was born in Lexington, KY, graduated from Falls Church High School in Fairfax, VA, and went on to earn an Associate Degree in Political Science from Florida State University. Tom was a master of many trades, his favorite being crew chief for a 24-hour Valvoline racing team that traveled the country. In his later years, Tom was known to many as Santa Tom, Atlanta's Real Santa, which he viewed as a ministry of sorts. He and his wife, Terry brought the magic of Christmas to many over the years. Tom & Terry were founding members of The Brotherhood of the Direct Descendants of Santa, through which they collaborated and fellowshipped with Santas and Mrs. Clauses nationwide. Tom and Terry met at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Conyers, GA, where they were both active members. Tom ministered in numerous ways, including serving on Cursillo retreats, in the Returning Catholics program, The Knights of Columbus, Parish Council and in the Life Teen ministry. Through these many ministries, Tom touched countless lives. All who knew Tom will remember his gregarious belly laugh, his biting sarcasm, and his unconditional love. There are many children who are now adults - many with children of their own - who Tom unofficially 'adopted' and helped through some difficult years, and who would come back and visit him particularly during the holidays. Tom's love was so big. Tom didn't want us to cry or be sad when he left this world. He had such a strong faith and wanted us to celebrate his welcoming into Heaven. Let us celebrate his life and his unconditional love, share our many wonderful memories of him, and keep his spirit alive in our hearts. Tom is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Therese 'Terry' Marie Irving (nee Reynolds Lynch) (aka Mrs. Claus) to whom he was joyfully married November 6, 1999. Tom is also survived by first wife, Sandra P. Grandazzo, their sons, Thomas Christopher Irving of Knoxville, TN and Jeffrey Edward Irving and Mandy of Lake Worth, FL, along with one granddaughter, Rylin; second wife, Shirley Y. Salas (nee Howard), their children, Stephanie Suzanne Sentinella and husband, Josh of Covington, GA and Joseph Michael Irving and wife, Shanna of Marietta, GA and grandchildren, Carter, Simon, Sienna and Isabella; nephew, Christopher Allen Baker, who was like a son to Tom; step-children, Lorraine Lynch and husband, Terrence Bernard, Adrienne Jones and husband, Jason, Joseph Lynch and wife, Michele, and step-grandchildren, Dakota, Diego, Paoma and Penelope, Seth and Adam; siblings, Donna Lee Gray and family of Huntsville, AL, Jon Howard Irving and family of Gainesville, GA, Robert Michael 'Mike' Irving and family of Hartford, CT, Patricia Ann Wenzel and family of Virginia Beach, VA. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 10 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church with Father Greg Goolsby as Celebrant; interment at Honey Creek Woodlands, Conyers. Family will receive friends Friday, June 2, 2017 from 6 until 9 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Tom would appreciate donations sent to the Atlanta Catholic Cursillo Movement, P.O. Box 464577, Lawrenceville, GA 30042 www.atlcatholiccursillo.org. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.

Thomas Earl Irving

July 27, 1946 - May 28, 2017