Celebrating the life of
Thomas Edward Klein
June 05, 1953 - January 19, 2010
Thomas Edward Klein
June 5, 1953 – January 19, 2010
Thomas Edward Klein, age 56, of Savannah, Georgia, died January 19, 2010.
Mr. Klein was a retiree of the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools where he served as a science teacher, counselor, coach, and system District Test Advisor in the Office of Accountability, Assessment, and Reporting, among many leadership positions. He was a strong believer in public education and was a creative and dynamic influence on thousands of students and faculty throughout the public schools.
During Mr. Klein's coaching career, he led the Sundevils Football and Baseball Teams, of the Savannah Recreational Little League, to win National Championships. He coached middle and high school football, baseball, and girls' basketball. He coached the Windsor Forest High School baseball team to three straight "Final Four" appearances. He received local media attention and state interest with his innovative, winning high school football strategies at WFHS. He often called coaching "large group counseling." He advised school systems across the country on test score improvement to meet national standards. Mr. Klein served as a Guardian-Ad-Litem at Georgia Regional Hospital and as a volunteer counselor at the Savannah Home for Girls.
Mr. Klein received his B. S. degree in Science Education from the University of Georgia, where he was offered a full golfing scholarship from the University only one year after he learned to play. He received his M. Ed. and Ed. S. Degrees in counseling from Georgia Southern University, where he served as an adjunct, teaching counselors how to conduct therapeutic counseling sessions.
Mr. Klein was preceded in death by his father, Nelson Bernard Klein, Jr.
Mr. Klein is survived by his wife of nineteen years, Sally Rountree Klein; his daughter, Karen Elizabeth Klein Allgood and her husband John, of Clarkston, Georgia; his mother, Betty Crothers Klein; his brother, William Richard Klein; and his sister, Sue Ann Klein Rains and her husband, George, all of Savannah, GA; his nephews, Jason Ander Rains and his wife, Marci, and their children, Hayden, Ansley, and Harper, of Apex, North Carolina; Christopher Loren Rains and his wife, Amy, and their child, Caelyn, of Savannah; and Tyler Klein Rains, of Charleston; and a host of extended family and friends.
Visitation will be on Friday, January 22 at 2:00 PM at Fox and Weeks Funeral Home, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA. Services will be held immediately following at 3:00 PM at Fox and Weeks Hodgson Chapel. Mr. Klein's wish was to be cremated; there will be no burial.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. Specify the Windsor Forest High School Athletic Department.
Quick with your wit, and your smile, you taught me some valuable things in the short time I knew you, which in turn I pass on to my children. Life after Life. You will be remembered and missed.
- Carol Travis Rountree, Tallahassee, FL
We were so saddened to learn of Tommy's passing. We went to high school together at Windsor and remember Tommy's quick wit and musical talent in the band. He brightened up any room he entered. After high school we lost touch however. Randy also knows Bill and Betty from the airport scene. We send our heartfelt sympathies to the family. Sincerely, Randy and Ann Jungemann Robertson
- Randy and Ann Robertson, Savannah, GA
Sally, I was so sorry to hear about your husband. I know it has been a difficult time. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Melinda Laager, Savannah, GA
We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
- Bobby Gee & Mary Jo, Savannah, GA
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matt 11:28-30 NLT Dear Mrs. Klein & family- I worked Mr. Klein from 2000 until he retired from Tompkins MS. He was humorous and fun to work with in what was sometimes a stressful setting! I really enjoyed working with him--only he could've added to the TMS team in the way he did! I'm so sorry for your loss and I know that God will sustain you and your family; He will give you peace & rest. Be blessed,
- Xavier R. Ragin, Pooler, GA
Sally, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God be with you all, Beverly Cohen
- Beverly Cohen, Richmond hill, GA
Deepest sympathies to your family, for your loss franklin boyette WFHS c/o 90
- franklin boyette, , GA
I worked with Tom for many years. There are thousands out there who, as students, benefited from Tom's skills and his love for children. My condolences to you, Sally God Bless Stephen and Stella Hefner
- stephen hefner, savannah, GA
you our deepest condolences. our prayers will be with you.
- david & debra brogdon, brooklet, GA
Although I didn't know Tom personally, I am so impressed by what he contributed to the people of Savannah. My condolences to his wife, Sally, a high school and college classmate of mine who brought such vitality to all her surroundings. May she and other family survivors find some measure of peace and hope in these hard personal times.
- Bob Tatum, Crossnore, NC
Quick with your wit, and your smile, you taught me some valuable things in the short time I knew you, which in turn I pass on to my children. Life after Life. You will be remembered and missed.
- Carol Travis Rountree, Tallahassee, FL
We were so saddened to learn of Tommy's passing. We went to high school together at Windsor and remember Tommy's quick wit and musical talent in the band. He brightened up any room he entered. After high school we lost touch however. Randy also knows Bill and Betty from the airport scene. We send our heartfelt sympathies to the family. Sincerely, Randy and Ann Jungemann Robertson
- Randy and Ann Robertson, Savannah, GA
Sally, I was so sorry to hear about your husband. I know it has been a difficult time. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Melinda Laager, Savannah, GA
We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
- Bobby Gee & Mary Jo, Savannah, GA
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matt 11:28-30 NLT Dear Mrs. Klein & family- I worked Mr. Klein from 2000 until he retired from Tompkins MS. He was humorous and fun to work with in what was sometimes a stressful setting! I really enjoyed working with him--only he could've added to the TMS team in the way he did! I'm so sorry for your loss and I know that God will sustain you and your family; He will give you peace & rest. Be blessed,
- Xavier R. Ragin, Pooler, GA
Sally, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God be with you all, Beverly Cohen
- Beverly Cohen, Richmond hill, GA
Deepest sympathies to your family, for your loss franklin boyette WFHS c/o 90
- franklin boyette, , GA
I worked with Tom for many years. There are thousands out there who, as students, benefited from Tom's skills and his love for children. My condolences to you, Sally God Bless Stephen and Stella Hefner
- stephen hefner, savannah, GA
you our deepest condolences. our prayers will be with you.
- david & debra brogdon, brooklet, GA
Although I didn't know Tom personally, I am so impressed by what he contributed to the people of Savannah. My condolences to his wife, Sally, a high school and college classmate of mine who brought such vitality to all her surroundings. May she and other family survivors find some measure of peace and hope in these hard personal times.
- Bob Tatum, Crossnore, NC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
