Tommy Earl Carmichael, Sr., 78, of Tifton passed away Thursday, December 27, 2018, at Tift Regional Medical Center. His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 30, 2018, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals with the Rev. Don Harris and the Brother Bobby Pittman officiating. Mr. Carmichael will be laid to rest at Rutland Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday, December 29, 2018, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Mr. Carmichael’s grandsons, Todd Carmichael, Thomas Davis, Austin Davis and Dylan Brooks, and his nephews, Russ McCurdy and Sonny Harris will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Mr. Carmichael’s remaining nephews and cousins.
Born May 10, 1940 in Tift County, Mr. Carmichael was the son of the late Ralph Eugene Carmichael and Vista Eloise Dooly Carmichael. He was also preceded in death by one sister, La Joyce “Joy” Hill. He was self-employed and retired from the United States Air Force Reserve. He also served in the Army National Guard and was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church in Tifton. He was a member of the Albany Chapter of Cherokee Nation and volunteered with public safety agencies in Tift County. He was strong in his Christian faith and loved the Lord and his family.
Mr. Carmichael is survived by his wife, Bonnie Rutland Carmichael of Tifton; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Tom Jr. and Cathy Carmichael and Phillip Carmichael, Sr., all of Tifton; one daughter and son-in-law, Melanie and Alvin Brooks of Tifton; one brother, Toby Grant Carmichael of Tifton; one sister and brother-in-law, Audrey Carol and Dennis McCurdy of Tifton; and six grandchildren, Caitlin Carmichael, Todd Carmichael and wife Morgan, Amanda Carmichael, Thomas Davis, Austin Davis and Dylan Brooks.