ROCKINGHAM — Thomas L. “Coach Tom” Baucom, 71 of Rockingham passed away Friday, Aug. 2, 2019 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst.
He was born May 25, 1948 in Richmond County, a son of the late Thomas V. and Nina Genes Baucom.
Thomas graduated from Rohanen High School in 1966. He attended Sandhills Community College and graduated from Pembroke State University in 1970. He started his education and coaching career at Bennettsville Jr. High in Bennettsville, South Carolina, and moved to Hamlet Jr. High in 1977. In 1987 he accepted the Head Basketball Coach position at Richmond Sr. High, leading them to three State Championship appearances. He was the A.P. North Carolina High School Coach of the Year in 1988. He was a 40-year member of the N.C. Coaches Association and a Coach in the East-West Men’s Basketball All Star game in 1997. At retirement his teams amassed 194 wins to 79 losses, a 71% winning percentage, leaving him as the winningest basketball coach in Richmond Sr. High history. He was not only a coach but a well-respected educator and colleague.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas V. Baucom and Nina Genes Baucom; and other family members, Woodford and Lillian Sherrill, Ray Robbins, and Alex Sherrill.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Cameronian Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Phil Joines officiating. Entombment will follow at Richmond County Memorial Park.
Thomas is survived by his wife of 49 years, Brenda Sherrill Baucom of the home; sons, Brian Baucom and wife, Genny of Rockingham and Ryan Baucom and wife, Carly of Charlotte; his precious grandchildren, Braden, Maddox, and Owen Baucom of Rockingham and Lillian and Riley Baucom of Charlotte; aunt, Shirley Groskreutz and husband, Larry of Indian Trail; sister-in-law, Nancy Robbins of Rockingham and brother in law, David Sherrill and wife, Jackie of Ellerbe.
The family will receive friends Monday evening from 5-8 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham.
Memorials may be made to Richmond Senior High School Athletic Department in care of the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Program, 883 US Hwy 1, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Baucom family.
