Thomas Lanier Ogburn

Thomas Lanier "Tommy" Ogburn of Eden passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2025.  He was born April 28, 1944 in Leaksville, NC to the late Robert Glenn Ogburn, Sr. and Elizabeth Barker Ogburn.

A service to celebrate Tommy's life will be held at First Baptist Church of Eden, 533 Greenwood Street, on Monday May 5, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Visitation will commence an hour prior to the ceremony. Following the service the family will have a reception at the Morehead Fair House, 420 Boone Road.  At other times the family will receive friends at the home.

Tommy graduated from Morehead High School in 1962.  He attended Gardner Webb College and then graduated from Campbell College in 1967.  He began a teaching and coaching career that same year in the Rockingham County School System at Holmes Junior High.  In 1973, with his brother-in-law James Cherry, Tommy began working for his father Glenn at the Ogburn Agency in the sale of commercial and residential lighting.  He and James grew the business, Ogburn-Cherry & Associates, to include his nephew Brittain Cherry.  Upon retirement in June 2010, Tommy decided to expand his life long love of wood working and after taking classes at Rockingham Community College began a career in wood turning.  He became a master turner and sold his beautiful creations all over the state and won many county wide arts festival awards.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Glenn "Oggie" Ogburn, Jr.  He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Carol Ellington Ogburn; their son Kevin Ogburn and wife Kristen; sister Peyton Ogburn Cherry and husband James; nephews Bert Ogburn and wife Jennifer; Ash Cherry and wife Christy; Brittain Cherry and wife Lauren; great-nephews Hays Ogburn Cherry; Jacob Lanier Cherry; great-nieces Caroline Elizabeth Ogburn; Tyler Elaine Ogburn; Olivia Melene Cherry; Jordan Ashley Cherry.

Tommy left a deep and lasting impression on the young men he inspired both at Leaksville Boys' Club and those he coached  at Holmes and was still referred to as "Coach" and mentor.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Eden, 533 Greenwood Street, Eden, NC  27288

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com