County Mourns Death of Commissioner Thomas Polk
Hardeman Countians are mourning the recent death of County Commissioner Dr. Thomas E. Polk, who passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at the age of 74, after an illness.
“It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Hardeman County Commissioner Thomas Polk,” shared Hardeman County Mayor Todd Pulse. “Mr. Polk served his constituents with dignity and distinction. On behalf of the Hardeman County Government, I offer our sincere prayers and respect to the family at this difficult time.”
Dr. Thomas E. Polk was elected as a County Commissioner for District 1, Position 3, in August of 2022, when he ran against Christopher Leist.
According to Dr. Polk’s obituary, he had previously served on the Hardeman County School Board, the Hardeman County Industrial Board for the City of Bolivar, the Hardeman County Re-Districting Board, and the Tennessee Foster Review Board, amongst others.
He recently served as the Director of Transportation for the Hardeman County School System and previously served as the Director of the Alternative School, Supervisor of Instruction, Assistant Principal, and Special Education Teacher in the Hardeman County School System.
Dr. Polk, who was born on December 13, 1948, to the late Lee Toy Polk and Rosie Lewis Polk in Grand Junction, attended elementary and high school in the Hardeman County School System. After graduation from high school, he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, a Master’s Degree in Education from Prairie View A & M University of Texas in Leadership and Special Education, an Education Specialist Degree from Union University in Education Leadership, and a Doctor of Education from the University of Houston in Leadership and Policy Studies.
Dr. Polk married his elementary, high school, and college sweetheart, Mamie Griggs Polk, in February 1973. God blessed this union of 51 years with two loving sons, Bradford and Brandon Polk.
Services for Dr. Polk were held on Thursday, November 30, 2023, in Bolivar.
The Hardeman County Commission, which will meet on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, may appoint an individual to fill Dr. Polk’s seat. The voters will then elect an individual to fill the remainder of the term in the County General election next summer.
Read more local news by clicking here.
Stay informed on what’s happening in Hardeman County by following Hatchie Press on Facebook and Subscribing to Hatchie Press e-mail updates.
Do you have community news you’d like to share? E-mail us at news@hatchiepress.com.
