By Staff
Mr. Tommie Martin Gaylord, Sr., died Thursday, February 8, 2007, at his home in Jamesville. Visitation will be at Jamesville United Methodist Church, Saturday at 1 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. Burial will be in the Jamesville Cemetery.
He was born in Martin County on August 5, 1915, to Susan Ella Virginia Martin Gaylord and William Benjamin Gaylord, Sr. He was predeceased by his parents: his sisters Ella Mae Abbitt and Daisy Coltrain; his brothers Howard Gaylord, Onward Gaylord, William Benjamin Gaylord, Jr., and Marvin Gaylord; and a daughter, Caroline Mabel Gaylord. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mildred Troxler Gaylord, of the home; daughter Susan Tysinger (Larry) and son Mark Gaylord (Paula) of Greensboro; and grandchildren Leigh Abraham (Dave), Meredith Gaylord, Ryan Gaylord, Ty Tysinger, and Savannah Gaylord.
Tommie was a valedictorian of his Jamesville High School senior class. He attended Campbell College, graduated from Elon College, and received his master’s degree from Woman’s College (now UNCG). He served as an educator for 20 years, as a teacher or principal at Farm Life, Altamahaw-Ossipee, Monticello, and Williamsburg Elementary Schools; and as superintendent of the Hyde County Schools. He was a Doubleday Sales representative until his retirement.
Community service was a very important part of his life. He had been active in the Reidsville Kiwanis Club, the Swan Quarter and Cary Lions Clubs, and the Jamesville Ruritan Club. He served on the Town Council and as mayor of Jamesville, and he always looked forward to the Easter Monday Jamesville Herring Festival!
Tommie was an active participant in every aspect of his life. He loved his family, hunting, fishing, politics, his church, and his community. A member of the NCSU Wolfpack Club for 41 years, he had attended most basketball and football games held in Raleigh, and quite a few at other venues. His favorite color was red, and his idea of world travel was following the Wolfpack! ’Tho not a golfer, for many years he attended the annual Wolfpack golf outings.
Tommie was devoted to his wife, his children, and his grandchildren — and delighted in their accomplishments. He never met a stranger, remembering everyone he ever met! His family and friends will always enjoy the memories of his zest for life and his total recall of every aspect of it.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jamesville United Methodist Church, the Jamesville Rescue Squad, or the Martin County Arts Council (Flatiron Building Restoration), all at P.O. Box 25, Jamesville, NC 27846, or to the charity of one’s choice.
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