Tommy C. Olmstead

Tommy C. Olmstead, 83, passed away on Wednesday, June 27, 2012. Tommy Olmstead loved his family and was a dedicated father and grandfather. Mr. Olmstead was born in Macon and educated at Lanier High School and Mercer University. He was Chief Executive Officer of American Office Equipment Company in Macon for 40 years. In 1975, he served as President of National Office Products Association. Olmstead served in the Georgia National Guard from 1948 to 1964. Beginning his political career in 1976, he was elected a member of Bibb County Board of Commissioners and served as Chairman of the Finance Committee; also serving on the first Judicial Foster Care Review Panel in Bibb County. In 1986, he was elected to Georgia State Senate, serving 3 consecutive terms, holding the chair of the Health and Human Services Committee. Olmstead was elected Mayor of Macon in January, 1992. He created Georgia's first city-wide recycling program. In 1995, Governor Zell Miller appointed Olmstead to the head of the Georgia Department of Human Resources serving until July 1999. Continuing his career, he is the only individual to serve both as Mayor of the City of Macon and Chairman of the Bibb County Board of Commissioners. Closing his term of the Board of Commissioners, he was named Legislative Liaison and Marketing Director for Lake Tobesofkee fulfilling his duties with dignity and dedication. Mr. Olmstead was selected for Georgia Trend's "100 Most Influential People in Georgia" on seven occasions. He is predeceased by his first wife Mary Smith Olmstead, and sister, Velma Moffett. Mr. Olmstead is survived by his wife, Melanie Thompson Olmstead of Macon; three children, Cliff Olmstead of Macon, Kathy DeVore (David) of Forsyth, and Elaine Olmstead of Macon; seven grandchildren, Allie Wilson (Blake), Laura Olmstead, Clifton Olmstead Jr., Michelle Roney, Amy Roney, Kathryn DeVore, and Walter Goggans (Ryan); seven great grandchildren; two step children, Wayne Thompson (Tammy) and Chris Thompson (Dana); three step grandchildren, Wes Thompson, Mattie Thompson, and Campbell Thompson; and mother-in-law, Ruth Watkins of Macon. Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Saturday, June 30, 2012 at Vineville United Methodist Church with Dr. Laudis H. "Rick" Lanford officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, North Gate. The family will greet friends Friday from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Hart's at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Methodist Home for Children and Youth, 304 Pierce Avenue, Macon, GA 31204. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola has charge of arrangements.