Thomas P. "Mr. Tom" Sleesman Jr., Peachtree City, died July 31, 2007. He was born Aug. 1, 1922 in Philadelphia, Pa. He was in the United States Coast Guard in World War II, and was a member of the Masons for over 50 years. He was the northeast vice president of sales for Hoffman Industries before retiring in the 1980s. He never met a stranger and left each and every situation he encountered with a new set of friends.

In the early 1990s he, his wife, and son, moved from New Jersey to Peachtree City in order to be near his daughter and newly born grandson. He had a masterful knowledge of carpentry and enjoyed spending time each year at an ocean-side house in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Memorial services were at Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church with interment with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Eleanor Sleesman, Peachtree City; a son, Tommy Sleesman; a daughter, Carol and Dr. Cal VanderPlate; and a grandson, Zach VanderPlate. Memorial donations may be made to Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, 101 North Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree City, GA 30269, or the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 672048, Marietta, GA 30006. Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Peachtree City, was in charge.