SSGT Thomas “Tom” Patrick McDermott (USMC Retired), 63, of Cartersville graduated to his heavenly reward on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at his residence after an extended battle with cancer. Born December 28, 1946 in Pittsburg, Pa., he was the only child of the late John Leo McDermott and the late Nora Belle Chapman McDermott.

He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law, Bobby Page; and several aunts and uncles.

Tom grew up in Chicago where he attended Catholic school. He graduated from high school in New Orleans where his love affair of the New Orleans Saints and the LSU Tigers started. Tom was a journalism major at the University of Maryland, and he was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps having served two tours of duty in Vietnam. After his military service, Tom served as a police officer in New Orleans and was the assistant police chief for Abita Springs, La.

Tom loved the History Channel and the Military Channel. He loved reading, motorcycles and attending church. Tom was a member of Praise Tabernacle where he was an ordained elder. He was quick-witted and his favorite saying was “Do the right thing.” Tom retired from Georgia Southern Transportation as a truck driver. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include: his loving wife, Melanie McDermott; his children, Shane David Allen, Thomas Michael Pulliam, and David Harold Pulliam and his Amanda Rose Teems; his brother, T.J. Dollar; his mother-in-law, Glenda Page; his brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Jeff and Donna Page and LaMorris Page; three grandchildren; niece and nephew, Matt Page and Katie Page; and several other nieces and nephews; and many people who called him Dad or Pop, including Sherry Robinson and Wayne Myrie; and his beloved dog, Junior. The family would like to give a special thanks to the nurses and staff of Heyman Hospice.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 13, 2010 in the chapel of Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and Cremation Services with Pastor Bobby Wright and Chaplain Allen Fuller officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Georgia National Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Wayne Myrie, Thomas Michael Pulliam, David Pulliam, Shane Allen and Billy Doster. Honorary pallbearers will be Barney Barnes, Tommy Bryner, John Dollar, and Troy Hamilton.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, September 12, 2010 at Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 430 Cassville Rd., Cartersville, GA 30120.

Please join in celebrating Tom’s life by visiting www.jenningsfuneralhome.com to share memories or to post tributes.