Roper Funeral Home and Crematory 206 Holly St Jasper, GA 30143 (706) 253-7500 (706) 253-0040 www.roperfuneralhome.com Thomas W. English, age 83, of Ellijay, Georgia, passed away on December 7, 2024. He was born on February 18, 1941, in Jenkins, Kentucky, to Jack Edward and Roberta Hale English. Thomas grew up in Logan, West Virginia, and was a proud graduate of West Virginia University (WVU). He served honorably in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1991, reaching the rank of Tech Sergeant. His service took him to Lakenheath Air Force Base in the United Kingdom and Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. Following his military career, Thomas worked as a Data Communication Specialist for several companies, including Bank South, AvData, AT&T, GE, and IBM, from which he retired. Thomas was a dedicated member of Hope Lutheran Church in Ellijay, Georgia, and previously was a member of New Lebanon Presbyterian Church in Jasper, Georgia. He lived his life by the guiding principles of God, home, and country. His main passions included aviation, particularly the U.S. Air Force, model railroading (including work on the Tate Depot model of the Jasper Railroad), automobiles, and college football, especially as a fan of the University of South Carolina. Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Carole D. English; daughter, Michele Ryan; son, Jason M. English (and their mother, Sue English); and step-son, Philip S. Gentry. He is also survived by numerous extended family members and friends. A memorial service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 3295 Old Hwy 5S in Ellijay, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Inurnment will take place at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton on January 8, 2025. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Toys for Tots at toysfortots.org. Arrangements are entrusted to the Staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.