Tom Kurrie

It is with profound sadness that Coleman Talley mourns the passing of our friend and partner, Tom Kurrie.

Tom joined Coleman Talley in 1986 and quickly became one of the defining leaders in the firm’s history. Through his vision, dedication, and steady leadership, he helped guide the firm’s growth and played an instrumental role in shaping Coleman Talley into the firm it is today. His contributions to our firm and its culture are immeasurable, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.

A gifted attorney, trusted advisor, and respected leader, Tom was deeply admired by colleagues, clients, and friends alike. He loved the practice of law and treasured the relationships he built throughout his career. Known for his wisdom, generosity, and unwavering commitment to others, Tom served as a mentor and confidant to many within our firm. His guidance helped shape not only careers but lives.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tom will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and genuine care for others. He embodied the values that define Coleman Talley and set an example that will continue to inspire us.  While we mourn this tremendous loss, we also celebrate Tom’s enduring legacy. The standards he set, the relationships he fostered, and the example he provided will continue to guide our firm for years to come. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s wife, Merry Jo, his daughter and our partner, Mary Margaret Williams, and the entire Kurrie family. Tom’s legacy lives on in the firm he helped build, the people he mentored, and the countless lives he touched.

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Thompson Kurrie, Jr. was a Partner whose practice focused on municipal law, public and private finance, corporate and banking law, commercial real estate development, affordable housing, business acquisitions and divestitures, ad valorem taxation, and income taxation. During his nearly forty-year career with Coleman Talley, Tom became one of the firm’s most respected attorneys and leaders. Prior to joining the firm in 1986, Tom’s experience included serving as a Tax Partner with Price Waterhouse in Atlanta, an Assistant Professor of Accounting and Taxation at Valdosta State University, and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Griffin Corporation in Valdosta.

A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Tom received his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from Emory University in 1970, where he served as president of his Phi Delta Theta fraternity chapter during his senior year. He earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Georgia State University in 1973 and his Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Emory University School of Law in 1976, where he was a member of Phi Delta Phi. Tom was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in 1976 and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1977.

During his nearly forty-year career with Coleman Talley, Tom represented business entities in the financial institution, real estate development, management services, and manufacturing industries, as well as cities and governmental development authorities. He served as Managing Partner of the firm for many years and played a leading role in its growth and expansion, including the opening of the firm’s Atlanta office in 2005. He was widely regarded as a trusted advisor, mentor, and leader both within the firm and throughout the community.

Tom was a member of the Georgia Bankers Association Bank Counsel Section and served as its Chairman in 1996. He was also a member of the Georgia Municipal Association, the State Bar of Georgia’s Tax and Real Estate Sections, the Valdosta Bar Association, the American Bar Association, including the ABA Affordable Housing Forum, and the Georgia Affordable Housing Coalition.

Tom was deeply committed to the Valdosta community. He served as Chairman of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce in 1995 and served on the Board of Commissioners of the Valdosta Housing Authority, as well as the boards of numerous community organizations throughout his career.

Tom was Martindale-Hubbell Rated AV® Preeminent™, the highest rating for professional excellence and ethical standards.