Celebrating the life of
Thomas C. "Tommy" Hester
February 28, 1948 - April 14, 2015
Thomas “Tommy” Clay Hester, age 67, passed away on April 14, 2015 surrounded by his family, friends and loved ones. Born February 28, 1948 and raised in Savannah, Tommy graduated from Savannah High School in 1966 and from Georgia Southern College in 1970. Tommy later graduated from Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University in 1981.
Tommy’s prolific 45-year career in banking first began with Savannah Bank in 1970, where he was a Commercial Lending Officer. Tommy would go on to serve in many capacities in the local banking community, serving as Senior Credit Officer of Atlantic Bank (1981 – 1983); Senior Credit Officer, then President, of BankSouth, Savannah, (1983 – 1995); President of First Liberty Bank (1995 – 2000); Savannah City Executive of BB&T (2000 – 2002); City President of BankSouth (2002 – 2008); and Division President of The Coastal Bank (2008 – 2011). Since 2011, Tommy served as the City President of Colony Bank.
Tommy’s involvement in community and professional organizations rivaled his tremendous professional accomplishments. Throughout his career, Tommy was involved in, and served on the boards of, countless organizations, including the Georgia Southern Foundation Board of Trustees, Robert H. Demere Sailing Scholarship Committee, Leukemia Society of America, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and its Foundation, Small Business Assistance Corporation, Provident Healthcare Systems – Memorial Hospital, Armstrong Atlantic State University Foundation, Community Housing Services Agency, Junior Achievement of Savannah, Historic Savannah Foundation, World Trade Center of Savannah, and Savannah Technical College. Tommy was honored by the Savannah Jaycees as the Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 1976, and he was a 1979 graduate of Leadership Savannah. He recently served as Chairman of the Savannah Economic Development Authority and represented Savannah on numerous Red Carpet Tours. Tommy was a member of the Savannah Golf Club and a past Commodore of the Savannah Yacht Club, where he was heavily involved in the 1996 Olympic Regatta and was Chairman of the Memorial Health Leukemia Cup Regatta in 1999.
Perhaps more invaluable than Tommy’s voluminous professional and community accolades is the impact that he had in the lives of the family members, friends and colleagues that he loved so much. He was a man with a zest for life and an effervescent smile that illuminated every room that he entered, capturing the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His tireless sense of humor kept those around him laughing. His kindness and his gracious and loyal nature were apparent to everyone he met. Tommy was an outdoorsman and an avid lover of the Georgia Bulldogs, Lake Burton, golfing, boating and a good cosmopolitan.
Tommy is the son of the late Judge Edward M. Hester and is survived by his mother, Emily Whatley Harber, loving wife, Monica D. Mastrianni, two devoted sons, Clay M. Hester and Wesley E. Hester, sister, Ginny H. Bishop and brother, Edward M. Hester, Jr.
Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17 at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church, immediately followed by a funeral service, conducted by Pastor Mike Ricker, at 3:00 p.m. Remembrances in Tommy’s name may be made to Wesley Community Centers of Savannah or Isle of Hope United Methodist Church Endowment Fund.
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with his sons and wife. I have never met any of you ,but I know Tommy was very proud of all of you. Tommy was a very funny man that always made everyone laugh. I have missed him over the years and I am so sorry we went in different directions after the Jaycees. We had many great times together and shared many laughs and good times. I wish you God's peace as you try to heal from this loss and hope that his memories will give you some strength to endure the pain. I am so very sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Dan and Debbie Hattrich
- Debbie hattrich, Midway, Ga
Wesley and family, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He was a pillar of the community and will be sincerely missed. We know in our hearts that he built a full community of friends that will look after your every need. You are so loved and yall are in our thoughts. May peace find you swiftly. —the McAlpins, Savannah, GA
- the McAlpins, Savannah , GA
Tommy was a larger than life personality and full of spirit that made him a joy to be with. Never a dull moment, Tommy was so unique and insightful in his banking craft, one couldn't help but love his style and love him.
- johnnie Ganem, savannah, ga
Wesley, the Hester family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Although we did not know your Father personally, it is clear that he was an exceptional man who loved his family and cherished life.
- Steve and Judith Cohen, Savannah, GA
Clay and Wesley, Your dad was a very special man, as you well know, and we will miss seeing his friendly face around Savannah. Our love and prayers are with you through this challenging time.
- Sherri and Jeff Goodman, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with the Hester family at this difficult time. I knew Tommy through the various banks. He will be greatly missed.
- Carolyn Beebe, Savannah, GA
I remember Tommy when I worked at Savannah Bank. He was truly a great friend that knew how to cheer up a person. My prayers go with the family at this time.
- Rev Dr j Thomas Maddox, Naples, Fl
My heartfelt condolences to the Hester family.
- Frank Barragan, Fayetteville, NC
Clay and Wesley - - I am in shock as I know both of you are. Your Dad has been a friend since before you all and Jody and Hunter were even thought of. The years of friendship, great times on the back river where all of you boys had so much fun and sun burns to affirm that , GA football parties, having you all traipsing back and forth through the woods to each others' houses, and the joy of watching all of you boys grow up together into fine young men will be good memories always. Tommy gave you both a strong example to follow and I know his Legacy will be kept alive through you both. Please know you are held close in my thoughts and prayers.
- Delia Sadler, Savannah , GA
So very sorry to read of Tommy's passing, he was a true gentleman and a fine business person. I always enjoyed seeing his smiling face. He will be in my prayers.
- Brian Skibicki, Richmond Hill, GA
Tommy was my best friend's big brother and larger than life. He taught me to ski in the back river by tossing me overboard in what he called the "shark hole" and telling me I'd have to ski out of it...I did! Our hearts and prayers are with Tommy's family and friends.
- Laura Seyle Gross and family, Morgantown, WV
Clay, Wesley and Monica, was so sorry to hear the news of Tommy's passing. He always held a special place in my heart and I will miss his wit, his charm and and his unending friendship. Although I didn't get to see him as much as I would have liked in recent years, I have the great memories of his friendship, of being teammates at Richard Arnold Jr High, bandmates at Savannah High, roommates at Georgia Southern and just hanging out at the Hester's or the Whatley's. We will all miss him greatly and you will remian in my thoughts and prayers.
- Drew Coleman, Birmingham, AL
Uncle Tommy is not only one of the greatest men I have ever had the privilege of knowing, but also like a "real uncle" and I will always love and think of him as such. He will be truly missed.
- Lee McCurry, Savannah, GA
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Tommy will be missed by everyone who knew him. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Roger Holden, Savannah, Ga.
- Roger Holden, Savannah, Ga.
You will be deeply missed Tommy. I thank you for your friendship and always sharing your experiences with me about your career and life. You always laughed and smiled and I will miss that the most. Your family is in my prayers.
- Andy Johnson, Fitzgerald, GA
Wesley,, Clayton and I are so sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you and your family. In Christian love, Clayton and Marsha Powell
- Clayton and Marsha Powell, Camilla , Ga
Tommy was a great person, meet him went i went to work in sheriff griffin office in 1974, new his father also a great person, been skin divering with him, was a all round great person for this city you will be miss, my prays are with your family ret,colonel john t wilcher
- john t wilcher, savannah,ga , ga
My deepest condolences for Tommy's passing! We were lifeguards together at Savannah Golf Club in our early years, Tommy was a good man and friend!
- Jim Adams, Atlanta, Ga
While Heaven is certainly a far better place, the rest of us will undoubtedly miss his dependable and constant smile. It is hard to imagine a conversation with Mr. Hester that you did not walk away thinking he was privy to a joke that the rest of us just did not know.
- Brice Perrie, Savannah, GA
I've known Tommy all my life. We worked together at the original Savannah Bank and later when he was Commodore at Savannah Yacht Club. His smile was contagious. He will be missed by all who knew him.
- Jan Mock, Savannah , GA
Tommy was ALWAYS there when I need his assistance, anytime,anywhere. He will be missed. Dr. C. J Berger DMD
- Cliff Berger, Savannah, GA
Uncle Tommy will be greatly missed, as we loved him like he was our own family. Much love,support and condolences go to my "brothers" Clay, Wesley and family. Love, the Heidts/Halls
- Heidt /Hall, Savannah, GA
Sincere Sympathy to all of you. Tommy and I worked together at the "old" Savannah Bank and Trust Company. I have many good memories of that time. Tommy was a friend who could always make you laugh and leave you with a smile on his face and yours. Tommy, we will miss you! May God bless everyone with peace and good memories. Kathryn Getty Murray
- Murray, Savannah, GA
All of you are in my prayers as you navigate through this very sad time.
- Barbara Bormes , Savannah , Ga
We love Uncle Tommy beyond measure. He was and will remain an inextricable member of our family. Our hearts break that we will not see him again on this earth, but our faith rests, as did his, in the knowledge that we will share eternity in the Kingdom of God.
- Jamie, Kendall, Ford, Eleanor & Brinkley, Savannah, GA
so sorry for your loss. Tommy and I worked together at the old Savannah Bank And Trust Co. we all had some great times back then and made many friends. He was special, always leaving you with a smile on your face. He will really be missed.
- Lynn WAldron Marston, Tybee Island, Ga
Wesley and Clay we are so sorry for your loss.
- jim pedrick, sa, GA Georgia
I've known him since he was a child and valued his warm personality. Deepest sympathy to all
- Miriam Center, Savannah, Ga
Monica, you are in our thoughts and prayers! Both Cat and I are so sorry and so sad, and we'll keep everyone in our prayers as you are going throughout these difficult times. - Ela & Cat Gavrilas
- Ela & Cat Gavrilas, Savannah, GA
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and all of your family at this time and will continue to keep you there for prayers of peace and healing!
- Ed and Joy Garvin, Jr, Savannah, GA
My heart breaks for Clay, Wesley, Tommy's mother, Eddie, Tommy's sister and all of the family. Unfortunately, I have not met his wife, but I send my love and sincere sympathy to all of you at this sad time. Tommy always had a smile on his face and was a gentile and kind soul. Even though I am not living in Savannah now, I will miss him just thinking about what a positive, upbeat friend he was always. God bless you all with the strength and comfort that only He can provide. May all of your wonderful, happy memories of Tommy, and your Faith, sustain you now and in the days ahead. With much love, Jan Daniel Crawford
- Jan Daniel Crawford, Virginia Beach, Va
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with his sons and wife. I have never met any of you ,but I know Tommy was very proud of all of you. Tommy was a very funny man that always made everyone laugh. I have missed him over the years and I am so sorry we went in different directions after the Jaycees. We had many great times together and shared many laughs and good times. I wish you God's peace as you try to heal from this loss and hope that his memories will give you some strength to endure the pain. I am so very sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Dan and Debbie Hattrich
- Debbie hattrich, Midway, Ga
Wesley and family, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He was a pillar of the community and will be sincerely missed. We know in our hearts that he built a full community of friends that will look after your every need. You are so loved and yall are in our thoughts. May peace find you swiftly. —the McAlpins, Savannah, GA
- the McAlpins, Savannah , GA
Tommy was a larger than life personality and full of spirit that made him a joy to be with. Never a dull moment, Tommy was so unique and insightful in his banking craft, one couldn't help but love his style and love him.
- johnnie Ganem, savannah, ga
Wesley, the Hester family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Although we did not know your Father personally, it is clear that he was an exceptional man who loved his family and cherished life.
- Steve and Judith Cohen, Savannah, GA
Clay and Wesley, Your dad was a very special man, as you well know, and we will miss seeing his friendly face around Savannah. Our love and prayers are with you through this challenging time.
- Sherri and Jeff Goodman, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with the Hester family at this difficult time. I knew Tommy through the various banks. He will be greatly missed.
- Carolyn Beebe, Savannah, GA
I remember Tommy when I worked at Savannah Bank. He was truly a great friend that knew how to cheer up a person. My prayers go with the family at this time.
- Rev Dr j Thomas Maddox, Naples, Fl
My heartfelt condolences to the Hester family.
- Frank Barragan, Fayetteville, NC
Clay and Wesley - - I am in shock as I know both of you are. Your Dad has been a friend since before you all and Jody and Hunter were even thought of. The years of friendship, great times on the back river where all of you boys had so much fun and sun burns to affirm that , GA football parties, having you all traipsing back and forth through the woods to each others' houses, and the joy of watching all of you boys grow up together into fine young men will be good memories always. Tommy gave you both a strong example to follow and I know his Legacy will be kept alive through you both. Please know you are held close in my thoughts and prayers.
- Delia Sadler, Savannah , GA
So very sorry to read of Tommy's passing, he was a true gentleman and a fine business person. I always enjoyed seeing his smiling face. He will be in my prayers.
- Brian Skibicki, Richmond Hill, GA
Tommy was my best friend's big brother and larger than life. He taught me to ski in the back river by tossing me overboard in what he called the "shark hole" and telling me I'd have to ski out of it...I did! Our hearts and prayers are with Tommy's family and friends.
- Laura Seyle Gross and family, Morgantown, WV
Clay, Wesley and Monica, was so sorry to hear the news of Tommy's passing. He always held a special place in my heart and I will miss his wit, his charm and and his unending friendship. Although I didn't get to see him as much as I would have liked in recent years, I have the great memories of his friendship, of being teammates at Richard Arnold Jr High, bandmates at Savannah High, roommates at Georgia Southern and just hanging out at the Hester's or the Whatley's. We will all miss him greatly and you will remian in my thoughts and prayers.
- Drew Coleman, Birmingham, AL
Uncle Tommy is not only one of the greatest men I have ever had the privilege of knowing, but also like a "real uncle" and I will always love and think of him as such. He will be truly missed.
- Lee McCurry, Savannah, GA
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Tommy will be missed by everyone who knew him. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Roger Holden, Savannah, Ga.
- Roger Holden, Savannah, Ga.
You will be deeply missed Tommy. I thank you for your friendship and always sharing your experiences with me about your career and life. You always laughed and smiled and I will miss that the most. Your family is in my prayers.
- Andy Johnson, Fitzgerald, GA
Wesley,, Clayton and I are so sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you and your family. In Christian love, Clayton and Marsha Powell
- Clayton and Marsha Powell, Camilla , Ga
Tommy was a great person, meet him went i went to work in sheriff griffin office in 1974, new his father also a great person, been skin divering with him, was a all round great person for this city you will be miss, my prays are with your family ret,colonel john t wilcher
- john t wilcher, savannah,ga , ga
My deepest condolences for Tommy's passing! We were lifeguards together at Savannah Golf Club in our early years, Tommy was a good man and friend!
- Jim Adams, Atlanta, Ga
While Heaven is certainly a far better place, the rest of us will undoubtedly miss his dependable and constant smile. It is hard to imagine a conversation with Mr. Hester that you did not walk away thinking he was privy to a joke that the rest of us just did not know.
- Brice Perrie, Savannah, GA
I've known Tommy all my life. We worked together at the original Savannah Bank and later when he was Commodore at Savannah Yacht Club. His smile was contagious. He will be missed by all who knew him.
- Jan Mock, Savannah , GA
Tommy was ALWAYS there when I need his assistance, anytime,anywhere. He will be missed. Dr. C. J Berger DMD
- Cliff Berger, Savannah, GA
Uncle Tommy will be greatly missed, as we loved him like he was our own family. Much love,support and condolences go to my "brothers" Clay, Wesley and family. Love, the Heidts/Halls
- Heidt /Hall, Savannah, GA
Sincere Sympathy to all of you. Tommy and I worked together at the "old" Savannah Bank and Trust Company. I have many good memories of that time. Tommy was a friend who could always make you laugh and leave you with a smile on his face and yours. Tommy, we will miss you! May God bless everyone with peace and good memories. Kathryn Getty Murray
- Murray, Savannah, GA
All of you are in my prayers as you navigate through this very sad time.
- Barbara Bormes , Savannah , Ga
We love Uncle Tommy beyond measure. He was and will remain an inextricable member of our family. Our hearts break that we will not see him again on this earth, but our faith rests, as did his, in the knowledge that we will share eternity in the Kingdom of God.
- Jamie, Kendall, Ford, Eleanor & Brinkley, Savannah, GA
so sorry for your loss. Tommy and I worked together at the old Savannah Bank And Trust Co. we all had some great times back then and made many friends. He was special, always leaving you with a smile on your face. He will really be missed.
- Lynn WAldron Marston, Tybee Island, Ga
Wesley and Clay we are so sorry for your loss.
- jim pedrick, sa, GA Georgia
I've known him since he was a child and valued his warm personality. Deepest sympathy to all
- Miriam Center, Savannah, Ga
Monica, you are in our thoughts and prayers! Both Cat and I are so sorry and so sad, and we'll keep everyone in our prayers as you are going throughout these difficult times. - Ela & Cat Gavrilas
- Ela & Cat Gavrilas, Savannah, GA
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and all of your family at this time and will continue to keep you there for prayers of peace and healing!
- Ed and Joy Garvin, Jr, Savannah, GA
My heart breaks for Clay, Wesley, Tommy's mother, Eddie, Tommy's sister and all of the family. Unfortunately, I have not met his wife, but I send my love and sincere sympathy to all of you at this sad time. Tommy always had a smile on his face and was a gentile and kind soul. Even though I am not living in Savannah now, I will miss him just thinking about what a positive, upbeat friend he was always. God bless you all with the strength and comfort that only He can provide. May all of your wonderful, happy memories of Tommy, and your Faith, sustain you now and in the days ahead. With much love, Jan Daniel Crawford
- Jan Daniel Crawford, Virginia Beach, Va
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
