As I think of Thomas W. Dortch Jr. a smile comes to my face. He was a father figure for those who had no father, a man of distinction for us who had fathers. His kindness was dignified. His willingness to help the known and the unknown was his Mercy and Grace to humanity. He has earned his home in heaven.
Anthony Sampson
100 Black Men of America
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2018, Texas Southern University, Cleburne Street, Houston, TX, USA
Tommy's Legacy Tour for the TSU Collegiate 100
— with
TSU students and the Legacy panleist
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I am so saddened by the loss of Mr. Dortch. From my time at the Andrew Young Emerging Leaders Institute my freshman year at Spelman, to the honor of serving as Miss NBCA Hall of Fame my senior year, Mr. Dortch has been a transformative presence in my life. He is quite literally the reason I was able to stay at Spelman after my freshman year. He always met me with opportunities to grow as an advocate, a speaker, and a creative. He is a blueprint for what true MENTORSHIP looks like. He loved his people and was passionate about the plight of young Black students. I will carry the lessons I learned from him and from those he put in my life, doing my best to emulate the passion, commitment, and generosity he exemplified. I send so much love to the Dortch family, to the board members of the NBCA Hall of Fame, and to the countless people affected by this loss. May we celebrate this incredible man who dedicated his life to bettering the lives of others.
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I met Tommy in 1990, he was employed by Senator Sam Nunn and I the federal government. Tommy was always pleasant and courteous to everyone and I learned a lot from him. Our paths would continue to cross at various civil rights events. Many years later our paths crossed again as we were invited to join Delta Airlines Diversity Supply Council whereas we served for three years. Tommy was the conscious of the council and never afraid to speak about real change. Always a gentleman and an intellect. His wisdom and love for his community leaves an huge void. I pray that God gives comfort to his wife and family.🙏🏽🙏🏽
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My heartfelt thoughts, prayers and condolences are with Mrs. Dortch and other family members and close friends of Tommy Dortch.
I first met Tommy Dortch, a great, caring, humble, approachable and servant leader in the late 1990s, I always had the utmost respect, admiration and appreciation for Tommy, whom I viewed as a role model and great example for myself as well as others to follow.
Tommy was always readily available, encouraging and very supportive of the National Black MBA Association - Atlanta Chapter during my presidency as well as during the terms of my predecessors and successors.
Tommy, although your work is done and your journey has ended on earth, your legacy will carry on in the lives of the masses that you impacted throughout your life.
May you eternally Rest in Peace, and I pray that God strengthens and comforts your wife, family members and close friends during this difficult time.
Prayerfully,
CJ Bland
CEO, Minority Professional Network (MPN)
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I am so glad I was able to see Tommy and talk to him at the ballroom dedication at FVSU. He was my student in college and I've been happy and proud to know him all these years We will miss him so much, and I want to give my condolences to his family.
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I met Mr. Dortch when I was assigned his suite at the Georgia Dome. The Suite Attendant that served his suite before had amazing, heartfelt things to say about him as she prepped me to serve in his suite. I felt honored because Mr. D was one of the only black suite owners in the state.
Years later he hired me to work for him at TWD, Inc. Where I had the pleasure of seeing all that he did for our people, our HBCUs and our community. Mr. D was a gem to the community and I’m grateful to not only of met him but to become a part of the TWD family. Sending my love to the Dortch family.
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I'm so sorry for the loss of Thomas. I'll always think of him whenever HBCU'S and the many contributions made to the world by their graduates are celebrated. His work and dedication to the cause must continue. ].
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I send this message with both excitement and a heavy heart. I am excited to share in the tribute to a man who always said yes first. Mr. Dortch and his beloved wife Carol, my husband Stanley and I have known for almost 20 years. We had the opportunity to spend lots of vacation time together as well as spend time in advocating for young people as facilitators of mentoring matches across the US. We moved to Atlanta from Los Angeles, 4 years ago and this power couple were our go to persons for help in so many ways. Including helping us with getting the right help and information when Covid19 hit our entire household. His job on earth was completed in excellence and now his well-deserved rest with God can be celebrated. Rest in Power Mr. Dortch!
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Thomas "Tommy" Dortch, touched many lives in the very best and profound way. I am glad I got a chance to know him as a friend and a colleague of 100 Black Men of America. Having known him for 28 years, he never hesitated to be of assistance in regard to helping others. Any time I called upon him to be available to help me open a door to allow me to achieve a specific objective or goal, he never hesitated and always came through. I told him once, that he reminded me of Jesus. "He may not show up when you want him to, but he is always on time". He will truly be missed. Although he will not be with us physically, his spirit will remain and when I think of the many positive contributions he has made in the lives of others, that will always bring a smile to my face. Tommy, my brother from another mother, rest in peace, you will not be forgotten.
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SO GLAD OUR PATH CROSSED IN 1968 AT FORT VALLEY STATE ( COLLEGE) NOW UNIVERSITY. I WILL TRULY MISS YOU PERSONALLY AS A FRIEND PLUS AS A "FORT VALLEY STATE WILDCAT" REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND.
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You say you never know someone fully until they’re transitioning! This is True for me, I knew Brother Dortch as the man noted for his many accomplishments and major contributions to the 100 Black Men of America, but I was not aware that we share the same Birthday! May God’s Peace, Grace, Love, and Blessings Keep and Cover you as you traverse thru his transition from Labor to Glory!
God’s Blessings Always!
Brother Major (Ret) Adrian G. Brockington
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My family and I are so saddened to learn of the passing of my former FVSC student and friend! Our prayers are with the family! May God continue to be with you!!
Samuel and Jimmye Jolley
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Tommy lived up to the Alpha Phi Omega motto: he developed leaders, promoted friendship, and served all humanity. Our sympathy and condolences to the family.
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My condolences to your family on the loss of such a kind and giving human being. Many good memories of times working with Tommy, although in different office locations, representing Senator Sam Nunn to the best of our ability in helping the citizens of the State of Georgia. Tommy was truly “one of a kind” and will be missed by many who had the good fortune to have known him.
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Even though art brought us together in mid nineties, his love to help someone else’s life be better kept us together as friends.
God , you done good by giving us Tommy Dortch, thank you for him. Rest now my friend.
Job well done.
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Please accept our heart felt condolences for your loss; we pray for the family to stay strong, keep the faith and speak Tommy’s name as often as you can. We keep our love ones alive by speaking their names!
John and Robenia Rivers
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My condolences to the family. Tommy's kindness will never be forgotten. I know you will will miss him but may you find comfort in the wonderful memories that he left you with and the fact that he made a positive difference in so many lives.
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It is with great sadness that the Black College Golf Coaches Association, (BCGCA) and HBCU college golfing community sends our deepest condolences to Mr. Tommy Dortch's family.
Mr. Dortch was such an inspiration and supporter of HBCU golf which was evident by his 38 year commitment to the young men and women of our programs. He was a special soul and calming spirit and will be truly missed.
Leonard Smoot
President, BCGCA
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I remember meeting Tommy when I first came to Atlanta after graduating college. He told me about Atlanta and gave me tips on making my career here. I found him to be very welcoming and often times saw him at community events. His commitment to making a difference was evident in everything that he did. My sincere condolences to the family.
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