Carl Thomas "Tom" Poss

Carl Thomas Poss, 69, of Athens died on January 3, 2015 from Alzheimer's Disease and complications from flu. He was the son of Anne Wilkinson Poss and Carl Walter Poss. He lived his young life in Cordele, GA where he was active in Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. A hard worker, both in and out of school, he graduated Crisp County High School in 1962 and entered the University of Georgia in the fall.
Tom had a thirst for knowledge that led him into a wide variety of interests in Athens, the town that would remain his home for the rest of his life. He took an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Comparative Literature and a master's degree in Philosophy from UGA. However, his academic pedigree showed only a small part of who he was. He enjoyed teaching Philosophy at Spelman College, but he found his teaching home in the Classics Department of UGA. He was well-loved by several generations of students who, under his tutelage, studied Greek or Roman Culture, Mythology, and several courses about language development from Greek and Latin roots. He also taught on the Classics Department's Studies Abroad Program in Italy and in Greece. For many years he also worked at UGA's Department of Student Activities where he made a coterie of lifelong friends.
Tom was a true Renaissance man and was active in cross-disciplinary areas in both his professional and personal life. He was an active member in Phi Beta Kappa and the Archeological Institute of America, holding various offices in each. He was a lover of music, and a charter member of The Georgia Singers, the UGA vocal ensemble in which he would meet his future wife, Brenda Arrington. He also sang in the UGA Men's Glee Club, Athens Chamber Singers, Athens Choral Society, and the choir at the UGA Catholic Center. Tom studied woodworking at the Penland School of Art and was a proud collector of both historic and contemporary original works.
In 1979, Tom and Brenda were married and in 1982, were blessed by the birth of their first child, Charlotte. Four years later, their son, Geoffrey made for a joyful completion of their family. Tom loved his children and was diligent in reading to them, teaching them to cook, engaging them in many physical activities, and in making sure that they received the best our community had to offer them.
Worldwide travel became a regular event for the family, and the four found themselves from Canada to all over Europe many times. From this grew friendships around the world and a great respect for world cultures and people.
Tom is survived by his wife, Brenda Arrington Poss; daughter Charlotte Poss Chromiak and her husband, Zachary Chromiak; son Geoffrey Carl Poss and his wife, Christine Fox Poss; grandson, John Thomas Chromiak; sister, Martha Poss; brother, Richard Poss; and numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren.
Services for C. Thomas Poss, Esq. will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2015, at Lord and Stephens East, Athens. Visitation will begin at 2:30 p.m. and the service will follow at 4:00 p.m. Burial will be at Tuckston United Methodist Church Cemetery. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Hunter Coleman. The family will be honored if memorial gifts are made to The ARK (Athens), the Alzheimer's Association, an area hospice, the NE Ga Food Bank, or another charity of your choice.