Mr. Thomas Lee Tolbert of 12 Sook Road, Rochelle, Georgia, died Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Emory Hospital in Warner Robins, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the chapel of the J. W. Williams Funeral Home in Cordele, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Piney Grove Church Cemetery in Rochelle, Georgia.

Everyone entering the funeral home for visitations or services is required to wear a mask and to practice social distancing.  A mask must be worn throughout the stay.  You must supply your own mask.

Thomas Lee Tolbert was born on April 6, 1957, in Wilcox County, Georgia, to Hollis Tolbert, Sr. and Jessie Lee Tolbert.

Thomas was educated in the public schools of Wilcox County, where he laid the foundation for a life dedicated to hard work and service. He spent over 40 years driving trucks for various companies, including Harvey's and Doester, showcasing his dedication and commitment to his profession.

A man deeply rooted in his community, Thomas was a devoted member of the Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Rochelle, Georgia. His commitment to serving others extended beyond his church activities, as he also served as a City Councilman and Mayor-Pro Tem for the city of Rochelle. His leadership and dedication to his community were widely recognized and appreciated.

Thomas had a vibrant personality, known for his love of fishing, entertaining others, and sharing stories and jokes. Most importantly, he treasured the time spent with his family, which was the centerpiece of his life.

Thomas passed away on June 26, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Hollis Tolbert, Jr.

Thomas Lee Tolbert's legacy of love, humor, and service will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. His life serves as a testament to the power of community, family, and genuine kindness.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Denise W. Tolbert of Rochelle, Georgia; his son, Thomas Copeland of Rochelle, Georgia; and his godchildren:  Lathawn Ward of Atlanta, Georgia,  Makita Pugh of Douglas, Georgia,  Carla Pugh and Andrienne Vickers of Fitzgerald, Georgia, Vanessa Winslow of Atlanta, Georgia, Jerry Holt of Warren, New Jersey, Kendeem (Jaslin) Holt of Atlanta, Georgia, Marvelious Prather of Fitzgerald, Georgia, Kashawna Pugh of Douglas, Georgia; 21 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren;  his sisters, Bernice Wright, Annie Ruth   Tolbert, and Alice (Johnny) Coley, all of Rochelle, Georgia; his brothers, Johnny Tolbert of Atlanta, Georgia, and Victor (Sharon) Denmark of Queensland, Georgia; his in-laws:  Julius Winslow of Byromville, Georgia; Jeanette (Kenneth) Davis of Perry, Georgia; Tammy Martin of Unadilla, Georgia; Furlow (Terry) Pryor of Macon, Georgia; and Jeffery (Vanessa) Winslow of Atlanta, Georgia; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends, including Fabin Reese of Rochelle, Georgia.