Thomas H. Mahone

Thomas H. Mahone, Jr.

Macon-Thomas Henry ("Candy Man") Mahone, Jr. passed away on November 16, 2008, at his residence, 5300 Zebulon Rd., Macon, Ga. Mr. Mahone was born in Talbotton, Ga., on September 3, 1920, the son of Thomas and "Miss Eunice" Mahone. He attended Middle Georgia College, where he was a standout third baseman on the 1939 State Championship team. His father was fond of saying that "Tom stayed at Middle Ga. College for four years before he learned it was a two year school." Tom subsequently graduated from the University of Georgia, where he was a member of ATO fraternity. Following graduation he joined the United States Navy and served on the USS Hall in the Pacific Fleet during World War II. Upon returning home, Tom was employed as the Southern U.S. sales representative for the Heading Fishing Tackle Company. He subsequently moved to Macon and on August 2, 1960, married the former Lillian Dillard Kelly. Shortly afterwards, he worked for many years as a member of the sales force at the Cropper-Moore Co. He subsequently finished his career with Bush Hog Manufacturing Co., where he was honored as National Salesman of the Year. He retired from Bush Hog in 1990. Tom was predeceased by his parents and by his brother, Hamilton Pitts Mahone. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lillian Dillard Mahone; his daughter, Dr. Pam Kelly of Bolingbroke, Ga.; his son, Dr. Frank Kelly and daughter-in-law, Lawson Kelly of Macon; two grandchildren, Thomas William Kelly and his wife Hayley of Marietta, Ga. and Lillian Carter Monroe and her husband Bill of New York City, New York; and two great grandchildren, Jackson Mahone Kelly and Annabel Lawson Monroe. Always an avid sportsman, he loved hunting and fishing and for many years was a loyal supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs and the Macon Braves. He came out of retirement to serve as "Assistant Coach" on his granddaughter's Freedom Park softball team, helping the "Doodlebugs" win their league championship. Tom will be long remembered for his "unusual" sense of humor, for his kindness to others, for his loving devotion to his wife, and for being such a wonderful father and grandfather. The family wishes to thank Doris Prater and the loving staff of Harrington House at Carlyle Place for their compassionate care and extraordinary devotion during Tom's final days. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, November 18, 2008, at 1:00PM in the Chapel of Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer's Association (277 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Macon, Ga. 31201), to the Talbotton United Methodist Church (185 College Ave., Talbotton, Ga. 31827), or to the charity of choice. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola has charge of arrangements. "Tell Mama I've gone fishing…." Click here to see hi-res photos of floral tributes.