Rev. Eddie J. Tomlinson

Pastor Reverend Eddie J. Tomlinson was born to Mr. Howard Tomlinson Sr. and Mrs. Mary E. Tomlinson on December 2, 1956, in Henry County, Georgia. He was the fifth of eight children born to this union and was known to be humble, welcoming, and loving throughout his life, community, and ministry. At a very young age, he accepted Christ and was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church of McDonough, Georgia. He answered God’s call to serve in ministry and received tutelage from the Rev. E. W. Lee. In the late 80s, Pastor Tomlinson was ordained to the Gospel ministry and served faithfully in this capacity. His ministry led him to serve as Pastor of Rock Springs Baptist Church from 1985-2007 and Good Hope Baptist Church from 1982-2023), where he recently celebrated forty-one years as Senior Pastor. He exemplified the love of Christ with a sincere dedication to saving souls! In 1991, he received a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Fort Valley State College in Fort Valley, Georgia. He was a mentor and father figure to many as well as a role model and Christian leader. He was a man of prayer and vision who loved God’s people genuinely and served them diligently. In 1975, he graduated from Henry County Comprehensive High School, where he began cultivating his agriculture and carpeting skills, including raising farm animals, gardening, constructing, and installing various carpentry projects. On June 28, 1986, Pastor Tomlinson married the love of his life, Stephanie M. Whitehead. They celebrated 36 years of marriage, and during this union, God blessed them with one child Cornelius DuBois “Neil” Tomlinson, whom he spoiled and adored. He worked as a maintenance engineer for the Board of Education of Henry County for over twenty-five years. He served on the Henry and Newton County Ministerial Alliance for several years. He loved his family and helped disciple many who decided to follow Christ upon being impacted by his life and ministry. He was a true example of what it meant to bear the burdens of others and fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, KJV). He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: Mr. Robert Tomlinson, Mr. Roylee Tomlinson, Ms. Mary D. Tomlinson, Mr. Arlonzo Tomlinson, and Ms. Melinda Tomlinson. To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife, Mrs. Stephanie, and son Mr. Cornelius Tomlinson. Siblings: Mr. Howard Tomlinson Jr. (Alvonia), Mr. Albert Tomlinson, all of McDonough, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, ministry colleagues, classmates, and dear friends whose lives are enriched and forever changed because of his life and legacy.

Rev. Eddie J. Tomlinson

December 2, 1956 - February 17, 2023