ROCKINGHAM — Harold T.”Tommy” Deese, 83, of Rockingham, passed away Monday, April 19, 2021 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital-Richmond.
He was born March 8, 1938 in Richmond County, a son of the late Harold O. and Virginia Adams Deese.
Mr. Deese worked for several years with Coble Dairy before starting his career with the N.C. Forest Service in 1970. Tommy retired from the Forest Service as Disrict 3 supervisor with 30 years of service. After retirement he was elected two terms to the Richmond County Soil and Water Convseration District. He was currently serving as vice-chairman.
Tommy was an avid farmer beginning in 1965 producing hay and cattle. He was also a poutry farmer for Purdue Farms from 1992-2015. Tommy enjoyed cooking for others and especially for the Richmond Co. Hospice/Rockingham Kiwanis Club Golf Tournamnet and the Rockingham Rotary Club Auction for many years. He also enjoyed gardening, following NASCAR, and spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy T. Deese; a daughter, Vickie Hayden; and a son, Daryl Deese.
A graveside service will be Friday, April 23, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Eastside Cemetery with the Rev. Billy Dennis officiating. The family will gather with friends from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, April 22, 2021 outside at Tommy’s house, 1899 US Hwy. 1 N., Rockingham. Due to COVID-19, please wear a face covering and continue to practice social distancing.
Surviving are two sons, Tommy Deese Jr. and wife Cherie of Rockingham, and Lee Deese and fiancé Trish Pierson of Mount Pleasant; five granddaughters, Elizabeth Deese Davenport and husband TJ, Christin Deese and Tyler Adams, Emily, Ashley Deese and Anna Werneth; two sisters, Linda King and Dianne Privette; and two brothers, Robert Davidson and wife Linda and Harold O. Deese Jr.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roberdel Baptist Church, 1118 Richmond Road, Rockingham, NC 28379; or Richmond Co. Hospice, 1119 US Hwy. 1 N Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Deese family.
