Austin Campbell Tommey

Austin Campbell “Sandy” Tommey, 36, of Chattanooga, TN passed away on February 25, 2023. He was born on May 25, 1986 in Fort Oglethorpe, GA to Kenny and Kim Tommey. Sandy was a true outdoorsman with a deep longing for adventure. These adventures took him to multiple locations around the world, often focused around iconic rivers or bodies of water. Climbing, fishing, snowboarding, and whitewater rafting were just a few of Sandy’s passions in the outdoors. In addition to Tennessee and Georgia, Sandy lived in Florida, Pennsylvania, Washington, Utah, Oregon, Colorado, West Virginia, California and Hawaii, just to name a few. His travels around the globe afforded him the opportunity to make friends and memories that he cherished as his greatest possessions. He was a beloved raft guide for 15 years all over the country. One of Sandy’s raddest accomplishments was a 30-day rafting trip on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in the winter of 2016, a trip of a lifetime. He took another epic, 3 month trip to the Patagonia region which encompasses the southern tip of South America. He also lived on a sailboat off the coast of Hawaii for 5 months. Additionally, Sandy was a gifted musician and founding member of The Water Oak Ramblers. His banjo, one of his most prized possessions, was always at his side and he never hesitated to draw his sword and pick a tune in whatever circle he found himself. He was a skilled carpenter/craftsman and loved using his gifts to help others whenever the need arose. Sandy had a heart for children and was especially fond of his two nephews: Walden and Rowan. Sandy was dearly loved by many and will be greatly missed and forever remembered. There are no words to describe how precious he was to all of us.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Jane Crawford Collett and Jackie Robert Collett and paternal grandparents Marjorie Campbell Tommey and Gene Paul Tommey.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his mother and father: Kim and Kenny Tommey; brother Dustin Tommey and his wife Raven, and his nephews: Walden and Rowan Tommey; aunts and uncles: Rick Collett, Janice Neal, Paul Tommey (Catherine), David Tommey, and Janell McKenzie (Bruce); great aunts: Kay Collett and Evelyn Stephenson. He also leaves behind a host of cousins and a multitude of friends all around the world.

A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held at a later date.

You are invited to share a personal memory or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, Sandy’s family requests that donations in his memory be made to American Whitewater, Woodsong Forest School, or Tennessee Donor Services.

American Whitewater

Sandy had a passion for whitewaters all over the world. By donating to American Whitewater, you can honor Sandy’s life by taking an active role in protecting and restoring whitewater rivers.

https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/c178a504-b0d6-486e-8d74-db507a71fad1

Woodsong Forest Education Foundation

Sandy was awesome with kids and deeply loved being in nature. He had a special affinity for Woodsong Forest School, the outdoor school that his friend founded and nephews attend in Cleveland, TN. By supporting Woodsong, you can honor Sandy’s life by investing in nature-based education for children.

https://www.venmo.com/u/Woodsongforestschool

Tennessee Donor Services

Sandy cared about people and in many instances risked his life to protect the lives of others. Ultimately, he was able to give the gift of life to others through TDS.

https://tennesseedonor.org/get-involved/financial-contribution/