R. Tommy Guillebeau

Mr. Robert Thomas (Tommy) Guillebeau, of Owens Road died January 10, 2015 at his residence. He was 82 years old and had resided in Evans since 2005, having moved here from Thomaston, GA. Mr. Guillebeau, son of the late Benjamin Franklin and Leila Glaze Guillebeau, was a native of Lincolnton. He was predeceased by a brother, Dr. Dempsey Guillebeau, and a sister, Lenoir LaMountt. He graduated from Lincolnton High School, where he played football, and was a scholarship athlete at Gordon Military College and Presbyterian College.  He held degrees from Presbyterian College, Peabody College, and the University of Georgia that prepared him for a lifelong service in the field of education. After honorably serving in the US Army as a helicopter pilot and as the Flight Aide to the Division Commander, Mr. Guillebeau was a teacher and coach in the schools of Warren County, Ware County, and Tift County.  He was principal of Cedartown High School prior to becoming Superintendent of the Polk County Schools.  He also served as the Headmaster of Gatewood Academy in Putnam County. Perhaps one of his greatest professional achievements was serving the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) and eventually becoming the Executive Director of that organization.  During his tenure as Executive Director the state semifinals were moved to the Georgia Dome and all state basketball and football championship games were broadcast for the first time.  He was also instrumental in the GHSA funded catastrophic insurance policy that covers every Georgia high school athlete.  Furthermore, he was also instrumental in starting the state-wide cheerleading competition. Mr. Guillebeau is survived by his wife, Gail Pitts Guillebeau; two daughters: Donna G. Williams & husband, Rick, of Milledgeville, GA and Beth G. McElwee & husband, Bobby, of Gainesville, GA; a son, Joe Guillebeau of Wilmington, DE; a sister-in-law, Peggy Guillebeau of Albany, GA; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren along with a number of nieces & nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, January 12, 2015 in the Lincolnton Baptist Church with Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Rev. Tripp Goodwin officiating.  Interment will follow in the Lincolnton City Cemetery.  Pallbearers include Watson Guillebeau, David Guillebeau, Mark Guillebeau, Kip Burdette, Dan Burdette, and Lee Chomskis. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until the hour of service on Monday in the fellowship hall of the church.  The family also requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to the Lincolnton Baptist Church, PO Box 357, Lincolnton, GA  30817