Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel
912-754-6421 (fax) 912-754-3426 P.O. Box 295, Springfield, GA 31329
Thomas Burton Rahn, Jr.
Springfield – Thomas Burton Rahn, Jr., 68, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2015 at the Medical University of South Carolina.
He was born on May 2, 1947 in Guyton, GA to the late T. Burton Rahn, Sr. and Talulah Arnsdorff Rahn. He was raised in Effingham County on the family farm with his parents and brother.
He graduated Valedictorian from Effingham County High School in 1965 and the University of Georgia in 1969 with a BA in Argricultural Education. He spent 5 years in education teaching vocational agriculture at Perry High School, Effingham County High School, and as a Southeast GA Area Agricultural teacher employed by the GA Department of Education.
In 1975, Thomas and his wife opened Rahn's Greenhouses. They have owned and operated this family business for 40 years. In 1993, he and his son assumed all responsibilities for the family farm.
Thomas devoted his life to agriculture. He loved watching things grow. He was a charter member and past president of the Effingham County Young Farmers Association and charter member of the GA Young Farmers Association. He was a charter member of the GA Commercial Flower Growers Association and previously served with the Board of Directors. Thomas was a lifetime member of the National FFA Alumni Association and member of the Effingham and U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In 1999, he was named the Ogeechee River Soil and Water Conservation District Conservationist of the Year for Effingham County.
Thomas was a lifelong member of Bethel Lutheran Church serving on church council and various other committees. He loved his family, talking, and especially adored his grandchildren.
Surviving are his wife of 43 years, Jean Marie Pepper Rahn; one daughter, Janet Rahn McGhee (Matt) of Sylvania; one son, Bradley Thomas Rahn (Kelly) of Springfield; four grandchildren, Branton, Brady, and Baylor Rahn, and Tatum McGhee; one brother, William Wingard "Bill" Rahn of Springfield; two aunts, Rubye Arnsdorff Calloway of Augusta and Catherine Arnsdorff Hinely of Springfield; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Sunday at Bethel Lutheran Church.
Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Remembrances may be given to a church or charity of your choice.
Thomas C. Strickland & Sons, Funeral Home Effingham Chapel (912)754-6421