Final farewell for former Senator Thorborn Ross Tolleson, Jr.

Family and friends gathered in the Evergreen Cemetery of Perry to say goodbye to a dear husband, father, friend and leader, Ross Tolleson, Jr. on Friday, November 12, just a week after his passing. The graveside service was performed by Reverends Tom Carruth and Roland Fall, as well as Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle. The Folding of the Flag ceremony was carried out by the Houston County Sheriff’s Honor Guard, and the flag was presented to the family by Senator Sam Nunn.

Perry Police held traffic as the long procession of vehicles pulled into the historic cemetery, and as cars filed into parking spaces, the graveside seats filled, so much so that many guests were left standing in the shade. Fall stood at the podium, waiting for all to gather. After several beats of silence, he spoke.

“We’re here for three reasons. The first reason we’re here, is to praise God,” Fall said, “because God is good and we’re thankful for this life that was well-lived. The second reason we’re here—we’re here to celebrate. We’re here to celebrate a man who shared so much joy with so many people, and there is so much to be celebrated today. The third reason we’re here, and I hope the reason a lot of us are here, is we’re here to love and comfort this family.” After a prayer, Fall stepped away from the podium.

Senator Larry Walker spoke next, presenting a resolution to the family.

“Honoring the life of Senator Thorborn Ross Tolleson, Jr.: Whereas he was united in love and marriage to his wife Sally, and was blessed with three remarkable children, Trip, Ansley and Kelly; whereas he gave inspiration to many through his high ideals, morals and deep concern for his fellow citizens, and through the devotion patience and understanding he demonstrated to his family and friends, and admired by others; whereas he was a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation for integrity, intelligence, fairness and kindness, and by the example he made of his life, he made this world a better place in which to live; and whereas a compassionate and generous man, Senator Tolleson will long be remembered for his love of family, friendship and community, and will be missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing him; now therefore, let it be resolved by the Senate that the memories of this body join in honoring the life and memory of Senator Thorborn Ross Tolleson, Jr., and express their deepest and most sincere regret at his passing.” Walker took his seat, and Cagle stood.

“We are here to celebrate [Ross’] life, and it was a remarkable life. In these memories, these collective memories, we find great purpose and meaning in a way that a man made all of our lives much better.” Cagle spoke of “Ross-isms,” things Tolleson would say or do that made him so beloved by so many. “Every time you visited with Ross he always made your life just a little bit better. Whether it was a smile, whether it was the interest of the ear he was willing to give you, he was a special, special person.” Cagle spoke fondly of Tolleson’s love for his family, his capacity for public service, his strength in his faith and his unwavering friendship.

Carruth spoke next, opening with Scripture. “Dear family and dear friends, we have gathered here on this day, a very special day, to remember. To think about and to treasure Ross’ life among us. For his family, this is a tender moment of love. There have been so many personal moments of family life to ponder. So many remembrances of engaging life’s moments together, some extremely joyful, some rather routine, pursuing the necessities of daily living, activates that juts needed to be done. Other occasions were even difficult and demanding. As family you have shared a special bond with Ross and we, your friends, rejoice in all that you have shared together. The wonderful, memorable, good life lessons that you have shared. As friends, we had opportunities to share friendships with Ross and with you. We treasure our time with Ross and his family.” Carruth recounted Ross’ life and his many achievements, often with a lens of faith. He told the crowd of Ross’ early childhood, his falling in love with his wife, his having children and his success in public service. Carruth performed Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler.” After bringing his speech to a close, Carruth stepped away from the podium.

Two Houston County Sheriff Officers, the honor guard, stood and performed a flag folding ceremony for the family, passing the triangle fold to Senator Sam Nunn. Nunn spoke briefly to the family and presented them the triangle fold. Shortly after Nunn stepped away, the crowd dispersed, and Thorborn Ross Tolleson, Jr. was laid to his final rest.

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