Timothy David Tew, renowned Atlanta gallerist and owner of TEW Galleries, passed away at age 65 on September 29th, 2024, after an extended illness.
He is survived by his parents, Reverend David B and Mary Ann Tew; his brother Kyle Tew; his sister, Nancy Dockery and brother-in-law David; sister-in-law Andrea Tew and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Eric Tew.
A passionate supporter of the arts, Timothy has guided and celebrated the careers of many artists from the United States and across the world. He opened first, Galerie Timothy Tew in 1987 and rebranded as TEW Galleries in 2006 when he purchased his current premises at The Galleries of Peachtree Hills.
Timothy was born in Burnet, Texas in 1958. He shared his faith in Christ early in life and was baptized by his father, at First Baptist Church in Snellville, Georgia. He graduated from South Gwinnett High School in Snellville and went on to study music at Shorter College in Rome, Georgia. After college, Timothy spent a year in Paris studying art. There he met the artists Isabelle Melchior, Marie-Cécile Aptel and Jean-Pierre Bourquin, all of whom were influential in his future career. On his return to Atlanta, he started his gallery business, showing the artists he had met in France. Later, on a trip to Los Angeles, Timothy sourced Haidee Becker and Stephanus Heidacker, they along with Steward Helm and Charles Keiger, formed the early nucleus of his gallery.
In life, Timothy showed great compassion: He was a supporter of animal rights, and environmental programs. His abiding interest in the human condition was evident both in his personal relationships and his support of anti-death penalty efforts. He could never resist an opportunity to help those in need.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to a charity of your choice or, to a special organization, Njoro Academy, in rural Kenya. Started under the guidance of the African Inland Church, the school has had the financial support of the Tew family for many years. Timothy and his father made the trip to Kenya to visit the school in 2011.
Tax Deductible gifts for the school should be made payable to First Baptist Church Morrow, with the designation Njoro Academy.
Checks should be mailed to:
First Baptist Church (of Morrow), 1647 Lake Harbin Road, Morrow, GA, 30260
