Dr. Joseph A. Tomberlin

Though born in Berrien County, Georgia on May 2, 1937, Dr. Joseph A. Tomberlin was a sixth-generation member of a pioneer Lowndes County family that dated back to his Great-Great-Great-Grandfather Isbin Giddens and his Great-Great-Grandmother Keziah Ann Giddens Touchton. His parents were Joseph Edward Tomberlin and Lilla Mae Hamm Tomberlin. He was also the stepson of Earl Cleveland Stewart. His grandparents were Thomas Jefferson and Eula Mae Touchton Hamm and Charles and Ruby Lewis Tomberlin.
Dr. Tomberlin graduated from Valdosta High School in the Class of 1955. After serving in the United States Navy from 1956 through 1959, he received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Valdosta State College. He received his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in History from Florida State University. He returned to Valdosta State College in 1967 as a history professor. He was head of the Department of History from 1982 until his retirement in 2000. He was a member of the Southern Historical Association, the Florida Historical Society and the Georgia Historical Society.
Dr. Tomberlin was a member of the Lowndes County Historical Society since its founding in 1967. He served the Historical Society in many capacities and was a past president. Currently he was serving on the Board of Trustees as Board secretary. He was a long-standing member of Christ Episcopal Church where he served as Lay Eucharistic Minister.
Joseph A. Tomberlin died Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at the Langdale Hospice House following a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Norma Maxwell Tomberlin of Valdosta, his daughter Lucy Tomberlin of Valdosta, and his son and daughter-in-law Joe and Kristina Tomberlin of Atlanta. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Tom and Judy Tomberlin of Valdosta, his sister Janice Tomberlin Goff of Warner Robbins, brothers and sisters-in-law Mike and Eileen Maxwell of Douglas and Bruce and Emily Maxwell of Whigham, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, with the inurnment to follow in the memorial garden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lowndes County Historical Society or to Christ Episcopal Church for school scholarships through the Dominican Republic mission. Reception to follow in the Church Parish Hall. Condolences may be conveyed to the family online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.