Thomas E. Counts

Marlow – Thomas E. Counts, 89, passed away October 16, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

The Chatham County native served in the U.S. Air Force and was a retired owner/operator truck driver. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Henry Counts, Sr. and Anna Oree Davis Counts; son, Gary Counts; brothers, Pete Counts and William H. Counts, Jr.; and sister, Luerita Pierce.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Diane Heidt Counts; children, Amy Young, Joy Sapp, Thomas J. Counts, Arlene Taylor (Grady), and Suzanne Powell (Kenneth); grandchildren, Hannah Grimes (Timothy), Abigail Taylor, R.J. Young, Andrew Sapp, Megan Sapp, Josie Bryant (Chase), Heather Rafferty (Brian), and Michael Parks; great-grandchildren, Isabella Rafferty and Laine Bryant; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2026 at the funeral home.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Grady Taylor officiating.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. 912-754-6421