Thomas Charles Polk

Tom Polk was best known for his ready smile, contagious laughter, loving, gentle spirit, and life- long dedication to helping others. He truly lived the phrase justice and peace for all. He marched in Washington and other venues all of his life showing his active support for important social issues. He volunteered at homeless shelters, food banks, and even delivered Meals on Wheels, starting as a young man, and as recently as last year, stood on corners with Black Lives Matter signs.

When he moved to Atlanta in the 1980’s, as he worked volunteering in shelters, he noted a special need. When homes were found for the homeless, they had no furniture to fill the homes. So, he founded and developed what became the non- profit Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta. He found a big warehouse and started collecting furniture from multiple sources to fill it. Over the ensuring years, he ran the furniture bank and helped many people get furniture to fill their homes. Then he founded the National Furniture Bank Association get started and served on the board. This gentle man literally helped thousands of people improve their lives during his lifetime.

In 2019, his Alma Mater, Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky awarded him the Distinguished Achievement Award in recognition of contributions to his profession, community, and alma mater.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Transylvania School of Music of Lexington, Kentucky, The Giving Kitchen in Atlanta, GA, or Angels Among Us Pet Rescue Inc. of Alpharetta, GA. Please scroll to the bottom of his webpage for information to make contributions

Thomas Charles Polk was born December 10, 1945 and died peacefully at his home in Decatur, GA, on Thursday, March 25, 2021, after a brief bout of cancer. He is survived by his loving wife, Sherry Kirby; twin brother, Theodore Hamilton Polk, (Anne); sister, Jane Polk Craiger. Also surviving are his step children, Kirby Powers of St. Simon’s, GA, Larry Powers, (Melanie) of Cumming, GA, and Michael Powers (Jennifer) of San Diego, California. Also surviving are niece, Katrin Anne Short, nephew, Ted E. Polk, niece, Tobi Heekin, step grandson, James Daniel Sheridan, great niece, Camille Short, great nephew, Zachary Short, and great niece, Sydney Heekin.

A Celebration of his life will be held later this summer or fall, COVID permitting.