Manning Thomas “Tom” Jeter III, age 75, of Columbus, Georgia passed away on Saturday, November 13, 2021. A visitation for family and friends of Tom will be held Friday, November 19, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 10:50 AM in Porter Chapel at First Baptist Church, 212 12th St, Columbus, Georgia 31901, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Tom will be laid to rest in Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia.

Tom was born October 30, 1946 in Montgomery, Alabama; the son of Manning Thomas Jeter, Jr. and Mary Louise Loard Jeter. Tom graduated from Auburn University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and later a Master of Public Administration. At Auburn, Tom was a member of the ROTC and Delta Upsilon Fraternity. He served in the U.S. Army as a Ranger achieving the rank of Captain. Tom was a Viet Nam Veteran. He was hired on January 19, 1976 by the US Secret Service. He rose through the ranks of the agency to become the Senior Resident Agent of the Savannah Resident office. Tom retired in 2001 and currently worked as an Independent Contractor doing background checks and security clearances for the US Secret Service and the US Department of State.

Tom was a man of faith, and in numerous moves throughout the years. He was an active member of churches in Montgomery, Savannah and Saluda, North Carolina. Currently he greatly enjoyed attending First Baptist Church of Columbus, Georgia. Tom married Rebecca Windham Klein on October 22, 1989 at Hilton Terrace Baptist Church, Columbus, Georgia. Tom Jeter exemplified a Southern Gentleman, in his demeanor, lovely manners and treatment of everyone with whom he made contact. He was a man of loyalty, honor, kindness and gentleness, but with the proven courage and will to stand up for righteousness and duty when required. Tom was always caring and interested in other people. His fun mischievous sense of humor made it a joy to be with him. Tom was a refreshing example in today's world of a life well lived.

Tom traveled the world as a Secret Service Agent, but always loved home more than any other place. He and Rebecca were devoted to each other and every month for 32 years celebrated another “monthaversary” together. They loved sharing their home for special celebrations with family and friends. Although outwardly seeming a warrior by profession, Tom's soft heart was evidenced in his love for the pet bunnies that he adored. Eleven very lucky little rabbits through the years shared "Bunny Cottage" with Tom and Rebecca. Tom will be greatly missed by so many.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Manning T. Jeter, Jr. and Louise Loard Jeter. Survivors include: his wife of 32 years, Rebecca Windham Jeter; his son, Manning Thomas Jeter IV; his daughter, Lee Ann Holloway; his grandchildren: Alexis Jeter Moore, Emma Jeter, Erin Jeter, Ways Holloway, Aileen Jeter and Gage Holloway. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Tom may be sent to the following charities: Wounded Warrior Foundation , www.secure.uso.org; Samaritan’s Purse, www.samaritanspurse.org; First Baptist Church, Victory Mission Columbus, Georgia., www.firstbaptistcolumbusga.gom; North Georgia House Rabbit Society Rescue, www.Houserabbitga.com Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Jeter family.