Thomas B. Mote, age 72, of Dawsonville, GA (Lumpkin County), passed away Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the Northeast GA Medical Center in Gainesville, GA.

Thomas was a native and lifelong resident of Lumpkin County, was a retired trucking contractor, and was of the Methodist faith.

He was the Chief of the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee and was the first head of the Georgia Council of American Indian Concerns. He lead the tribe to state recognition which allowed members to get college education grants and learn trades etc.

Thomas was the son of the late T. J. Mote and Hannah Lee Corn Mote and was also preceded in death by uncle, Ralph Mote.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kathy Neal Mote, Dawsonville, GA; son, Jason Mote, Dawsonville, GA; daughter, Ansley Mote, Dawsonville, GA; aunts, Joyce Fields and Joan Smith, both of Dahlonega, GA, and Evelyn Cronan, Dahlonega.

Numerous other relatives also survive.

Funeral services for Thomas are scheduled for 1 PM Tuesday December 20, 2016 at the Banister Funeral Home Chapel in Dahlonega, GA.

Rev. Lyman Caldwell and Rev. Tony Neal will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Mill Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Lumpkin County.

The family will receive friends at Banister Funeral Home in Dahlonega, GA on Monday December 19, 2016 from 4 PM until 9 PM and again on Tuesday from 10 AM until 1 PM.

Online condolences may be made at www.banisterfuneralhome.net.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega, GA is in charge of the arrangements.