Judy Thomas Haight

Judy Haight, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026, in Austell, Georgia, following a year-long struggle with cancer. She was 85 years old.

Born Judythe Thomas on November 30, 1940, Judy grew up in Lafayette, Georgia. She spent much of her life in the Atlanta area, where she built a career, a family, a community of friends, and a lifetime of memories.

Judy met the love of her life, Larry Haight, while working at Hertz Rent-A-Car at the Atlanta Airport in the 1960s. They married on February 19, 1966, and shared more than six decades of marriage. Together, Judy and Larry eventually retired to Chattanooga in the early 2000s but later returned to the Atlanta area to be closer to the family and friends they loved so dearly.

Judy had a long and varied career. She worked for the Georgia PTA State Office and later in Public Relations at Six Flags Over Georgia. She spent more than 20 years as Executive Administrator for the BellSouth Classic, Atlanta’s former PGA Tour event, where her organizational skills, warmth, and ability to connect with people made her a valued part of the tournament’s success.

While Judy accomplished much professionally, her greatest joy was always her family. She was a devoted and involved mother who supported her children in every way she could. She coached their softball and baseball teams, served as PTA treasurer and president at their schools, and somehow always found the time to be present for the important moments—and the ordinary ones that became important simply because she was there.

Judy’s outgoing personality was one of her defining qualities. She loved meeting new people, making friends, and rarely met a stranger. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and connected. Her circle of friends was wide, and she carried those friendships with her throughout the many chapters of her life.

Her faith was also an important part of who she was. Judy was active in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and was an ordained elder. She found church homes wherever she lived in the Atlanta area, particularly in East Point and Austell. Music was one of her greatest gifts. She sang in the choir at each church she attended and shared her exceptional musical talent by playing both the organ and piano. Her music became a way of serving others and bringing joy to the people around her.

Judy is survived by her husband, Larry Haight of Austell; daughter, Ellen Haight and her partner, Bill Gay, of The Villages, Florida; her son, Chip Haight, and his wife, Gretchen Haight, of Austell, Georgia; and her son, Scott Haight, and his husband, Jim Hackney, of Asheville, North Carolina. She is also survived by her grandsons, Patrick Haight and Eric Haight; Eric’s wife, Holly; and their children – Judy and Larry’s great-grandchildren – Aaden, Gavin, Savannah, and Charlotte.

Judy’s life was defined by the people she loved and the lives she touched. She was a devoted wife; a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; a woman of faith, a gifted musician; and a friend to many. She will be remembered for her warmth, her energy, her sense of community, her love of music, and, above all, her unwavering devotion to her family.

Though she will be deeply missed, the love Judy gave to her family and friends—and the many memories she created along the way—will remain with them always.

A memorial service celebrating Judy's life will be held at Austell Presbyterian Church, 5895 Love Street in Austell, on Sunday, November 1, 2026. A time will be announced at a later date. Please check back for updates.