Tommy Edward Warner, Sr.

Tommy Edward Warner, Sr., born April 3, 1945, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at the age of 80, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as an accomplished businessman, devoted husband and father, and a larger-than-life presence in the communities he loved. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet U. Warner, and his parents, Dudley A. Warner and Sara W. Warner.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Tommy attended Montgomery Bell Academy before beginning his college career in 1963 at the University of Tennessee. He soon “saw the error of his ways” and transferred to the University of Georgia, where he found his true home. His years as a Georgia Bulldog were filled with unforgettable memories alongside the brothers of Sigma Chi Fraternity, sharpening his mind, fueling his entrepreneurial spirit, and remaining steadfastly determined to win the heart of Janet. They graduated in 1968, married soon after, and shared 56 years of marriage, building a life together in Athens, Georgia.

Tommy began his professional career with Goodbody & Co., quickly distinguishing himself as the youngest stockbroker in the firm’s history at that time. That early success launched a remarkable career defined by vision, leadership, and integrity. Over the years, he became a highly respected businessman, real estate developer, and investor, with entrepreneurial reach extending across banking, franchising, and corporate leadership.

He served on the Board of Directors of Georgia National Bank and was also a founding shareholder and Board member of the National Bank of Georgia. Tommy held board and ownership positions with Signal One Safety Corporation and Big League Barbers, Inc., and was a long-time multi-unit franchisee of Popeye’s Famous Fried Chicken in Georgia and Blockbuster Video in Maryland and Virginia. His career also included leadership roles as a master franchisee and area developer for Take-Out Taxi Delivery Systems, an original franchisee of Cedric’s Fish and Chips, and an investor in several start-up restaurant ventures, including Oscar’s Famous Chicken Fingers, Pasta Works, and Farmer John’s Smorgasbord. Throughout his career, Tommy was known for his keen instincts, fairness, and ability to build lasting partnerships.

Tommy’s business acumen naturally extended into his community involvement. In 1988, he was elected President of the Athens Touchdown Club, and he was also a member of the University of Georgia Chapter of the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame.

After retiring, Tommy and Janet made Greensboro, Georgia, and the Reynolds lake community their home, where he shifted his focus from business to what mattered most—family, friends, and community. He was happiest golfing, entertaining friends, and enjoying special moments with his children and grandchildren.

Tommy was also deeply committed to community service. When he saw a need, he got to work. He was part of the initial funding and development of St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital in Greensboro, Georgia. He also served on the Board of Directors of OPUS (Oconee Performing Arts Society) and was a founding member of the Jeffrey Wells Society for Performing Arts, supporting arts education through school programs, scholarships, and the Community Youth Chorus.

Perhaps dearest to his heart was his and Janet’s support of the Second Harvest Food Bank, whose mission to combat food insecurity and child hunger in Greene and Putnam Counties resonated deeply with him.

Despite his many professional accomplishments, Tommy’s greatest pride was his family. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his son, Tommy Warner Jr., known to family and friends as “Corky,” and Corky’s wife Catherine, along with their sons Tommy III, Will, and Ben. He is also survived by his daughter, Lisa Patton, her husband Jody, and their son Dylan, all of whom brought him immense joy. He is further survived by his brothers, Dudley Warner and his wife Beth, and Richard Warner and his wife Jody, along with extended family and countless friends.

Tommy lived life fully and generously. Known for his confidence, warmth, and unmistakable presence, he had a gift for leadership, storytelling, and bringing people together. His life was defined not only by professional success, but by loyalty, generosity, and love for those around him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A memorial service to celebrate Tommy’s life and legacy will be held Thursday, January 29, at 4:00 p.m. at the Athens Country Club. The family invites everyone to join them for a reception immediately following the service.

The Warner family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all of Tommy’s caregivers, especially the staff at Home Instead for their devotion and compassion over the past two years, the staff at Family Hospice for their compassionate care in Tommy’s final weeks, and the staff of Presbyterian Village for providing a wonderful and welcoming place to call home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to Second Harvest, Inc. or the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter.

https://secondharvestga.com/contribute/

https://www.alz.org/georgia/about?form=FUNYWTPCJBN&lang=en-US

Alabama arrangements under the direction of Berstein Funeral & Cremation Services, Athens, Georgia (706)543-7373

Local arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN.