Thomas Harden Gorin
Thomas Harden Gorin (80) of Suwanee, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2023. During his final days, he had numerous family, friends and business associates visit him. We knew his as a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Being able to witness these visits and conversations truly blessed us during a very difficult time.
Tom, also known to us as Papa, was born to Alfred Allen and Sammie Oliver Gorin on October 12, 1942 in Mayfield, Kentucky.
Tom spent his younger years in Paducah, Kentucky where he discovered Starnes Barbeque, a life-long favorite barbeque restaurant. During his middle and high school years, he lived in Nashville, Tennessee. After graduating from high school, Tom found himself at Western Kentucky University where he was a member of the first pledge class of the Delta Kappa Nu chapter. In 1965, DKN augmented to Sigma Alpha Epsilon, where Tom was a charter member. During his years at WKU, he developed many life-long friendships and met his wife of 58 years, Patricia Ann McCullough. They met at a local hangout through mutual friends and some of Pat's Chi Omega sorority members. Those close to her heard the story about Tom being "tarred and feathered" when he gave Pat his DKE pin, while she received roses. His relationship with WKU did not end after he left college and got married in Henderson, Kentucky. Tom and Pat hosted Kentucky Derby Parties, pledged a donation to WKU for the restoration of the campus Chapel and Tom served on the Board of Advisors. Tom missed graduation by not completing an independent study class. Being the driven person he was, Tom picked the books up again later in life, took classes at Kennesaw State College and a final course at WKU to walk across the stage and receive his college diploma from WKU.
Tom's first job after college was with National Cash Register in Nashville, Tennessee, where he and Pat also welcomed their first child, Thomas Michael. Tom and Pat later moved to Franklin, Tennessee where he began working for his father at A.A. Gorin Sales. Shortly after, the young family moved to Atlanta, GA where Tom continued working for the company and welcomed their second child, Stephanie Ann. A few years passed and Tom was ready to go out on his own and created Tom Gorin Company, as a manufactures representative for electrical supply companies. He traveled throughout the week, and then returned home each weekend to his family. His had a successful career as a salesman, both financially and in building friendships. During his career he belonged to many organizations, NEMRA (National Electrical Manufacturer's Representative Association), BYO (Golf Organization ), Ducks Unlimited (Atlanta Chapter Chairman) and received awards for small business success. After his retirement and passing the torch to his son, he went on to explore more adventures by building his dream home in his dream place, Brays Island. A playground for everything outdoors, Tom fit right in and began developing friendships and serving on the Architectural Review Board. He loved to plan events and was an exemplary host. Tom was a founding member of the "We Go Boom" Dove Shoot and the "Squirrel Breakfast". Those attending were treated to a meal consisting of various wild meats and Bloody Mary's. Tom stayed true to his dapper style and required the men to wear a bow tie. The tradition of the squirrel breakfast continues to this day.
Tom was a man who loved all aspects of life. He loved his family fist and was very proud them. His smile, hugs, nicknames (Boomer, Little Rat) and head pats are just a few examples of his love for us. In addition, he loved his many hunting/family dogs: Frisky Tail, Dutches, Ginny, Cayley, Lanie, Macie, and Katie. In fact, Dutches, an English Pointer who lived in a kennel at home, slept in the hotel bed with him when they hunted in Nebraska. Speaking of hunting, Tom hunted on four different continents (North America, South America, Africa and Europe), and spearheaded a 4-10 Dove Shoot at Henderson Village which GPB filmed and later aired on TV. He was a detail man and kept journals of his travels, which included lists, descriptions and illustrations. In addition to his love of wing birds, he loved songbirds. Tom always had birdfeeders and birdbaths in his yards. Some doubted he would have songbirds come to the feeders at Bray's, but the old saying, "build it and they will come" proved true. Dad visited his favorite store in Beaufort, Grayco, quite frequently to purchase food for his birds.
A.A. and Sammie passed along many characteristics that made Tom stand out from others. He loved gardening, cooking, and beautiful clothes. Sammie tended a sprawling garden outside of Nashville from which she canned many vegetables. Tom also gardened flowers and vegetables. His meals were always an event… from the planning of the meal to the purchasing of food to preparing the meal to plating the food to the lighting and mood music. He truly was one of a kind.
Tom was quite the gentleman when it came to corresponding with others. He was well known for his handwritten letters, which often included personal sketches. No matter what he chose to do, he always chose to do it well and with a positive attitude. His love of knowledge for his hobbies, as well as for people he encountered, made him an excellent conversationalist. Dad listened, was introspective, asked the hard questions, and was trustworthy, loyal and selfless. Thank you Tom, Dad and Papa for sharing your love of life with us.
Tom is survived by his wife, Patricia; children, Michael (wife, Amy) and Stephanie (husband, Bert); grandchildren; Madi (husband, Taylor), Gracie, Ella, and Ava; and great-grandchild, Frances. His brother, Jefferson and sister, Leigh DeLozier, also survived him. Other family members include his nephew, Jeffery Gorin, Kelly and Doug Gorin; and his Godson, John Wade Thurber.
His parents, A.A. and Sammie Gorin, preceded Tom in death.

Celebration of Life Ceremony:
Monday, May 1, 2023
2:00 in the afternoon
Peachtree Church
3434 Roswell Road NW
Kellett Chapel

Reception to follow:
184 Peachtree Battle Avenue
4:00 in the afternoon

Expressions of sympathy:

1. Contributions to the A.A. Gorin Scholarship Fund, c/o College Heights Foundation,
Western Kentucky University,
1703 Chestnut Street,
Bowling Green, KY 42101.

Giving Options
There are a variety of ways individuals can make contributions in memory of Tom Gorin. The College Heights Foundation will provide contribution envelopes to the funeral home as a convenience, and we will also provide to other interested parties as necessary. In addition to that, here are three easy ways to make a memorial gift if individuals inquire.

1) Via Mail. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the A.A. Gorin Scholarship Fund, c/o College Heights Foundation, 1703 Chestnut Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101. Checks should be made payable to the College Heights Foundation and please note in memory of Tom Gorin in the memo line.

2) Via Phone. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the A.A. Gorin Scholarship Fund, c/o College Heights Foundation, by calling 270-745-4597 and providing a credit card number. Please indicate over the phone that the gift is in memory of Tom Gorin.

3) Via Online. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the A.A. Gorin Scholarship Fund, c/o College Heights Foundation, by visiting the online giving website at www.wku.edu/makeagift . Please type the A.A. Gorin Scholarship Fund in the gift designation box and then indicate in memory of Tom Gorin in the box where it asks to provide any additional information regarding the gift.

2. National Parkinson's Foundation:
http://www3.parkinson.org/goto/Thomas_Gorin
3. Correspondence may be sent to:
Arbor Terrace
Pat Gorin
3180 Karen White Drive
Suwanee, GA 30024
4. The family is creating a Memory Book and would love friends to contribute. Please login to Kudoboard and upload stories and pictures.
https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/SWPQx96H#view