Steve Thackston Obituary

Steve Arnold Thackston, 65, of Decatur, GA, passed away July 1, 2025 in a tragic drowning accident on Hunting Island, South Carolina, a place he cherished for its natural beauty and peace. He was born October 22, 1959 in Augusta, Georgia to Bill and Billye Thackston. He grew up in Belvedere, South Carolina and graduated from North Augusta Senior High School in 1977. He then attended the University of South Carolina, graduating in 1981 with a B.A. in Photojournalism. After college he worked at The Athens Banner-Herald, The Augusta Chronicle, and the Medical College of Georgia. During his time at the Augusta Chronical, Steve formed lifelong friendships with many of his fellow photographers including Chuck Bigger, Mark D. Phillips and Drake White. His photojournalism work earned numerous awards, reflecting his deep commitment to visual storytelling. In 1997, Steve and his family relocated to Decatur, Georgia. Steve continued his work as a freelance photographer and for the past 15 years worked as a staff photographer at Georgia State University. Steve brought thoughtfulness, creativity, and a generous spirit to the Public Relations Department, where he was deeply respected and loved by his colleagues. Steve was rarely seen without a camera in hand, always chasing light, stories, and new places to explore. His love of travel began in his early twenties during a formative experience volunteering on Kibbutz Nativ Halamed Hei in Israel. While there, he also traveled to Egypt, where he developed a deep fascination with its culture and ancient history. That journey sparked a lifelong spirit of exploration. He made many trips to Kenya to document animal preservation, culminating in the publication of "Flowers in a Thorn Tree: On the Road with the Warriors for Peace and Wildlife" (Steven Thackston (Photographer), Peter Martell (Introduction) 2021), covering the work of the Northern Rangelands Trust rangers who protect endangered species. These were often grueling trips in the bush under rough conditions. He was very proud of this work, not only in the images he was able to capture but his ability to endure the conditions necessary to make the images. Besides his professional and personal love of photography, Steve was very interested in film, music (from The Beatles and Bob Dylan to Chopin and Beethoven),the culture and history of Israel and the Mideast, fine art and literature. He loved discussing any of these and did so with gusto and great attention to detail. New York City was always an interest of his and he made many visits to its museums, art galleries and parks. In 2019 he met Robert Frank, a photographer with great influence on his own work, as he strolled by Frank's Manhattan apartment. Frank was sitting on the sidewalk in front and Steve went up to him and talked with him for fifteen minutes or so. Steve was also a beloved neighbor and friend to many on Ridley Lane, where he lived the past several years, including special friends like Barbara Dale. His warmth, wit, and unmistakable presence made him a friend to all. Among the many meaningful relationships in Steve's life, one of the most enduring was his lifelong friendship with Thomas Tillman. The two met during a schoolyard scuffle when they were just five years old and from that moment on they were brothers. For the past several years on many early evenings, you could find Steve and Thomas sitting on the Tillman front porch, listening to music, talking about their day, the world, or simply enjoying the quiet together. Steve was a cherished part of the entire Tillman family, sharing deep bonds with Helen Oller, Declan Tillman, and Aidan Tillman. Steve was an interesting and engaging man who would talk to anyone. This characteristic made him successful in so many of his personal and professional pursuits. He will be truly missed by all those who loved him and his sudden loss is deeply felt by all who did. In his own words, "My work is about life. My work is about simple things: yes and no, love, smiles and laughter, loss and the sadness of loss, first kisses and very last goodbyes." Steve was preceded in death by his brother Mark Kinsland Thackston, mother Billye Arnold Thackston, and father William M. "Bill" Thackston. He is survived by his daughter, Hadley Thackston (Carlos Parsons), his son, Armistead Thackston, sister Sandra Thackston Roton and many, many Thackston family cousins as Steve was one of 13 grandchildren of Albert and Lillie May Thackston, Greenville SC. A gathering in Steve's memory will be held at the Elizabeth Wilson House on Saturday, July 19th from 1PM-3PM 322 W Benson St, Decatur, GA 30030. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to any of the following organizations-or a charity of your choice: • University of South Carolina A.T. & Lilla Scroggins Journalism Scholarship Fund • Georgia State University: Steve Thackston Scholarship: https://tinyurl.com/yh78b3r2 • Northern Rangelands Trust: https://www.nrt-kenya.org/get-involved