Dr. Jack Stephens “Steve” Tonge Jr., a resident of Winder, Ga., passed away unexpectedly on March 3, 2024.
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Dr. Tonge, a native of Macon, was preceded in death by his parents: Jack Stephens Tonge Sr. and Eloise Pope Tonge; his brother, Joel Bradford Tonge; and his son, Justin Palmer Tonge.
Dr. Tonge was a 1965 graduate of Duluth High School. He began his college career playing football at Furman University. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Georgia. He was a graduate of Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn.
Upon graduation, he entered the United States Army as an optometry officer. Upon honorable discharge from the Army, he opened a private practice in Lawrenceville, , which continued for 50 years. He was a former member of the Lawrenceville Lions Club and the Gwinnett Rotary Club and was a communicant of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Athens.
He is survived by his children: Trey Tonge, Zach Tonge, Emily Tonge, Stephen Tonge; and by his grandson, Knox. He is also survived by brothers: Dave (Sharon) Tonge and Tim Tonge; sister-in-law, Brenda Tonge; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Monday, March 18, from 5 to 7 p.m., in the chapel of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 498 Prince Avenue, Athens. The funeral service will be Tuesday, March 19, at 2 p.m., at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. The Rev. Katie Bradshaw, the Rev. Samuel Porras and the Rev. Dr. Dave Tonge will officiate. A private family interment will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be sent to St. Anthony’s Episcopal Church, 174 St. Anthony’s Drive, Winder, Ga. 30680. Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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