Thomas Donald Orr

Thomas Donald Orr, 78 died on April 19, 2024 at St. Francis Hospital.

Tommy was born in Columbus, Georgia on September 30, 1945, the third child of the late J. Herbert Orr, Sr. and Rebecca M. Orr. He is survived by his brother, James H. Orr, Jr. and his wife Sandra Middlebrooks Orr.

Other than his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Orr Dixon, his aunt, Margaret E Orr, his grandparents, Charles Timothy Orr and Lois Richards Orr, and Mr. And Mrs. W.E. Putnam.

Tommy was known and respected throughout the Chattahoochee Valley for his work as an organist. He played in many houses of worship including Trinity Episcopal Church, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Main Post Chapel at Ft. Moore and Temple Israel. Tommy was an expert in the liturgical musical forms of each. At the time of his passing he was the organist at St. George’s Anglican Cathedral.

After many years of teaching Honors English at Fort Valley High School, Tommy moved to Columbus High School from which he retired. He was as unforgettable a teacher as he was a musician. Countless former students maintained regular contact and correspondence throughout the years.

Surpassing even his dedication to the organ was his love for the harpsichord which he played daily for his own great joy.  Another favorite pastime was listening to Baroque Music, especially that of Bach.

Tommy read widely and was fond of British and Russian autobiographies. He dearly loved and cherished his family and friends.

Private services were held at Parkhill Cemetery and Tommy rests next to his parents.