Tom Cousins, who reshaped Atlanta’s skyline and brought pro basketball and hockey to the city, shared two children with his wife.
Thomas Grady Cousins, born on December 7, 1931, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the age of 93.
However, the cause of death has not been revealed by his family.
Atlanta Hawks took to their official Facebook handle to mourn the loss of Tom. They wrote,
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Tom Cousins, a visionary builder of communities, unmatched philanthropist, and a former Hawks owner who had an enduring impact on the city’s sports landscape and the geographic footprint that now makes up our thriving Downtown Atlanta region. Developed by Cousins, the original home of the Hawks – the Omni Coliseum – shaped fans, memories and downtown for a quarter of a century. We are grateful for his legacy and the countless lives he impacted.
Atlanta Hawks
He was a real estate developer, sports supporter, and philanthropist, primarily based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Cousins purchased the NBA’s St. Louis Hawks basketball team and moved them to Atlanta in April 1968.
He also owned the Atlanta Flames until he sold them in 1980 for approximately $16 million to a consortium from Calgary.
Tom also purchased the original Atlanta Chiefs soccer club of the North American Soccer League from the Braves in 1973.
In 1995, he purchased East Lake Golf Club and restored it to its former glory. He also helped to establish East Lake as the permanent home of the TOUR Championship, which is the season-ending tournament for the PGA TOUR.
Tom Cousins And His Wife, Ann, Enjoyed Participating In Their City’s Civic And Artistic Causes
The original owner of the Atlanta Hawks, Tom Cousins, was married to Ann Cousins. The date of their marriage has not been revealed.
Following their marriage, the couple lived in Atlanta and Hobe Sound, Florida.
Ann and Tom loved to participate in Atlanta’s civic and artistic causes and also enjoyed traveling for pleasure.
In 2015, the couple made their appearance at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon along with Mary and John Brook.
Together, they have founded the COUSINS Foundation, where Ann serves as a board member and founder.
Ann always supported Tom in balancing his professional and personal life.
Sadly, Ann and Tom’s married life ended after several decades following the tragic death of Tom.
Friends and relatives have poured their heartfelt condolences to Ann to stay strong in this difficult time.
Tom Cousins And His Wife Had Three Children And Four Grandchildren
Thomas Grady Cousins is survived by his two children, Grady Cousins and Lillian Giornelli, the latter a director of Cousins Properties.
As per the source, Tom and Ann’s third child, Caroline, died in 1999.
Tom’s daughter, Lillian, served on the Board of Directors of Cousins Properties but retired after 26 years in February 2025.
Since joining the board in May 1999, she guided the company through multiple CEO transitions, two major mergers, and expansion into Sun Belt markets.
On the other hand, Tom’s son Grady is also serving as the board member of the Cousins Foundations.
Grady and Lillian are mourning the tragic death of their supportive and devoted father, Tom Cousins.
Additionally, Tom is survived by his four grandchildren, whose identities have been kept private.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Tom developed buildings such as the CNN Center, the Omni Coliseum, 191 Peachtree Tower, the Pinnacle Building in Buckhead, and the first phase of the Georgia World Congress Center.
- He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in 1952 from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia in Athens. Tom and his father started their real-estate company in 1958.
- In 1993, he was the recipient of the Bill Hartman Award, which recognises former varsity athletes from the University of Georgia who have demonstrated excellence in their profession.
