Thomas Jesse Barton, 61, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life suddenly Friday evening, May 17, 2019.
Thomas was born in Dalton, Ga. on June 14, 1957. He was a son of the late Alice Welch Howell. Along with his mother he was also preceded in death by his sisters, Paula Woody and Vickie Smith.
Thomas was the owner of Yesterday’s Furniture on Walnut Avenue in Dalton. He had been a member of the Whitfield County School Board serving since 2008. For over 20 years Thomas was a well-known and well-loved area little league coach. He was also a women’s adult league coach, and started the Midnight Madness softball tournament which raised money for the local community. He loved helping others and had dedicated his life to the children and citizens of Whitfield County.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Wall Barton of the residence; his daughter, Kelley Barton of Dalton; son and daughter-in-law, TJ and Melissa Barton of Tunnel Hill; grandson, Gage Barton; brother, Floyd Howell of Jasper, Tn.; sister, Imogene “Tootsie” Gibson; special friends who were like adopted children to Thomas, Ryan and Lindsay Slaughter of Dalton; and a number of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and dear friends also survive.
A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Thomas Barton will be held on Wednesday, May 22, at 2 p.m. from Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Scott Ptak and Dr. M. Vasser officiating. Interment will follow at Whitfield Memorial Gardens.
The Barton family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 21, at Ponders Melrose Chapel between the hours of 4-9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Ear for Noah at https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8exQKHTKfB, which will benefit three year old Whitfield County Noah Diaz and constructive surgery that is needed. Noah’s mother, Valerie Tate was a former player that Thomas coached as a child.
Arrangements are by locally owned and operated Ponders Melrose Chapel, Dalton, GA. (706) 226-4002.