Thomas Fitzgerald Motley
Thomas Fitzgerald Motley, III passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2023. He was born in Chatham, VA, and was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Fitzgerald Motley, Jr., and Margaret Sherrill Motley. He is survived by his children, Thomas F. Motley, IV of Crown Point, Indiana, Margaret Motley Merritt and her husband Kevin Merritt of Virginia Beach, VA, Mary Blair Motley of Charleston, SC, and Paul Rogers Motley of Danville, VA; three grandchildren, William Pendleton Merritt and his wife Julia, Caroline Rogers Peluso, and John Gabriel Peluso, III.
After spending his childhood in Chatham, he attended St. Christopher’s School in Richmond. Following graduation, he entered Washington and Lee University and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
His adult life was spent in Chatham centered on his family and serving the community. His agricultural activities involved raising livestock and tobacco farming. He was an entrepreneur involved in the management and ownership of several businesses: Chairman, Duffie Graphics Inc., President, Chatham Insurance Agency Inc., and Piedmont Water Doctors, Inc. Upon retirement he worked part-time at Food Lion at Market Square in Danville.
Tom was a member of the Chatham Rotary Club serving as Secretary and President and winning the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He also served on the Board of Danville Community College.
He was a member of the Chatham Town Council for many years and was later elected Mayor.
He was a member of the Chatham Presbyterian Church where he served as a Youth Group leader, Elder, and Sunday School teacher.
He was one of the founding Directors of Woodlawn Academy and served on the Board of Directors for many years.
He enjoyed watching sports and was an avid Boston Red Sox and UNC Tar Heels fan. His Mantra was “Go Heels”.
He was an animal lover and enjoyed spending time in his later years with his Welsh Terrier companions, “Wish” and “Peaches”.
A visitation will be held at the Chatham Presbyterian Church, Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Mikel Pugh and Pastor Richard Motley officiating. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to the Pittsylvania County Pet Center, 11880 US Hwy. 29, Chatham, VA, 24531, Danville Area Humane Society, 1000 South Boston Rd. Danville, VA 24540, or Chatham Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 668, Chatham, VA 24531.
Norris Funeral Services in Chatham, Va. is serving the family. Online condolences may be left at norrisfuneral.com.
