John Thomas “Toady” Brigman Sr., 89, of Hamlet, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, at his home.
He was born March 7, 1936, in Richmond County, son of the late John Franklin Brigman and Essie Katherine Greene Brigman.
Toady, as he was affectionately known, worked as a conductor for more than 30 years with CSX Railroad. He was a member of Marston Baptist Church, Marston. He was active with Marks Creek Life-Saving & Rescue which was the predecessor of Hamlet EMS. Toady was a prior fire chief with the Hamlet Fire Department, and he and his brother, Howard, started the first ambulance service in Richmond County.
Enjoying being an avid outdoorsman and loving wildlife, Toady was a founding member of the Marks Creek Hunt Club. He was a huge supporter and believer of the North Carolina Wildlife and loved hunting and fishing. Toady was also a previous member of the Hamlet Lion’s Club.
Among everything that Toady enjoyed being active in and supporting, his family and friends were his priority. He loved dearly the friends that he chose as friends. They were special to him. He would also host neighborhood 4th of July block parties for friends and family. Toady will be dearly missed by his family and all those that cared for him.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Mary Marshall Bennett Brigman; brother, Robert “Bobby” Brigman and wife Golda; sister, Mary “Mickey” Milham and husband, Richard “Doc;” brothers, Richard “Dinky” Brigman and Howard Brigman; and brother-in-law, Bill Goodman.
Left to cherish Toady’s memories are his children, Tommy Brigman and wife Denise,of Hamlet, Jo Pocock and husband Dale of Statesville, and Tammy Brigman-Wallace and husband Tommy, of Rockingham; grandchildren, Shellie Brigman and J. Thomas Brigman; blessed significant other, Sylvia Greene; sister, Pat Goodman of Weddington; sisters-in-law, Martha Ussery Brigman of Rockingham and Geraldine Brigman of Hamlet; dear friend and caregiver, Joyce Pemberton; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friends.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at Marston Baptist Church.
The memorial service will be Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Marston Baptist Church with the Rev. Jim Ritter officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Marston Baptist Church, 2507 N. U.S. Hwy. 1, Marston, NC 28363; Richmond County Hospice, 1119 N. U.S. Hwy. 1, Rockingham, NC 28379; or N.C. Wildlife Resources Commisson, 1702 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
