Andrew Eugene Mallard

Graveside services for Andrew Mallard will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, on Nebraska Street in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Mr. Andrew (“Andy”) Eugene Mallard, 78, of Thomasville, passed away at his home on May 3, 2023. Andy was born here in Thomas County and was raised on his family’s farm off Fredonia Road. That farm is where Andy’s father and grandfather taught him to hunt, shoot, fish, work birddogs and generally appreciate everything the South Georgia outdoors had to offer. At a young age, Andy’s mother instilled a deep Christian faith in him. This faith was reflected in the thoughtful generosity and kindness he showed towards his friends, and even strangers. Andy never asked for, or even expected a “thank you” in return. His Christian faith did not require his good deeds to go recognized. His faith simply required him to do good - which Andy never shied away from.

Andy was drafted into the Army to serve his country during the Vietnam War and was always willing to share tales of his adventures in Vietnam. Andy was a proud veteran who knew that his service made a difference to the United States and his fellow citizens. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Andy returned to Thomasville where he started a successful landscaping business and simultaneously managed several hunting plantations. If Andy ever guided one of your quail or duck hunts, there is no doubt you ended the hunt with a bag limit of birds and a headful of hunting tales (only some of which were true!) that you will never forget.

Fine firearms, especially shotguns and pistols, were Andy’s passion. There is no telling how many fine weapons Andy had, but his collection would rival that of any fine gun dealer. Andy loved target shooting as well. If all the empty shell casings that are no doubt scattered all over Andy’s farm are ever unearthed one might think a small war was fought there. But no, that was just a weekend’s worth of target practice rounds between Andy and his friends.

Andy was preceded in death by his mother and father but leaves behind his beloved German Shepherd, “Dixie”, his English Pointer, “Lincoln” and many, many friends. We all have a countless number of stories that we can pull from our memories to keep him in the front of our minds. The farm where Andy’s life began is where his life came peacefully to a close – which is exactly how Andy would have planned it. Andy, you are one of a kind. We all love you and will all miss you. God bless you, my friend.