George Thomas 'Tommy' Deadwyler, 63, "The Mayor of Sautee", passed away Dec. 2, 2022.
Tommy Deadwyler was a jack of all trades and master of many. A self-described "freelance whatchamacallit," who had the business card to prove it.
A longtime resident of Northeast Georgia, Tommy was a leader in the development and cultivation of the vibrant performing arts landscape in the region, particularly through his work with the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center, or SNCA.
With his partner, Terri Edgar, he served as the arts programming director at SNCA from 2005 to 2013, where he co-created and produced one of the Center's signature events, the Sautee Jamboree. He had an instinctive knack for putting the right artists together on stage, and quickly earning their trust, love, and loyalty.
Singer, songwriter, bandleader Jeff Mosier described his friend as, "funny, quick-witted, yet emphatically competent with the feelings and needs of his friends, family, and community. He always moved towards some point where good things would happen and people would end up happy."
In addition to co-producing numerous events, such as the Jamboree, Celebrate the Arts, and the Headwaters community story play series, Tommy shared his multiple and considerable skills as a performer, too. He worked hard to provide economic development through the arts in rural areas beyond Sautee Nacoochee, becoming a key player in statewide efforts through his participation as leading figure with The Fox Theatre Institute. In 2013, he took on the role as Executive Director, leading the renovation and re-opening of the historic Mars Theatre in Springfield, Georgia. In 2015 he became Executive Director of the 1,000-seat McGregor Hall in Henderson, North Carolina. His final Executive Director assignment came with the Oconee County Arts Foundation in Watkinsville, Georgia from 2017 to 2018. In 2019 he became an artists' representative with the Alkahest Agency, securing touring engagements for artists such as the American Spiritual Ensemble.
One of his greatest roles may have been his last. After moving back to Northeast Georgia, Tommy added another role to his life's repertoire: Santa Claus. Many children (and their parents) in the Northeast Georgia area have photos of themselves sitting on his knee.
Tommy and Terri were well-known for hosting some of the most memorable social gatherings in the area. Tommy officiated at several weddings, and to many of his friends and acquaintances was known as "the mayor of Sautee," because he was engaged in so many aspects of the community.
Always glad to help friends in need, Tommy was known for his warmth and kind heart, an infectious smile, powerful bear hugs, and as a resourceful, supportive man who got things done. He was known to the multitudes as Tommy D., and as Granddude to his granddaughters Avery, Nora and Sofia.
George Thomas 'Tommy' Deadwyler joins his late father, Rev. George Vail Deadwyler, in the great hereafter. He's survived by his partner, Terri Edgar; step-children, Samantha Monge and Nick Haggard; and granddaughters, Avery, Nora, and Sofia. He is survived by his loving mother, Betty Deadwyler; and sisters, Kathy Cook, Sharon Dennis, and Karen Edwards.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, at Nacoochee Presbyterial Church, 260 Georgia Highway 255 North, Sautee Nacoochee; the service will be followed by a wake in the Historic Gymnasium at the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center, across the street.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Tommy D. Fund for the preservation and restoration of the Historic Gymnasium at SNCA. http://www.snca.org
White County News ยท Cleveland, Georgia
December 8, 2022