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Thomas Umphlett Obituary
Ahoskie
Mr. Thomas M. Umphlett, age 81, died at the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, VA on Friday, September 21, 2012. He was born to Daisy Mullen Umphlett and Willie L. Umphlett on May 12, 1931. Mr. Umphlett graduated from Ahoskie High School in 1950 where he excelled in basketball, baseball and football. Following high school he had scholarship offers from Duke, UNC, NC State and Wake Forest University to play football. Also during this time he was being scouted by the Boston Red Sox and chose to sign with them in 1950. In 1953 he became the starting center fielder. He was runner up for Rookie of the Year in the American League and named Boston's Rookie of the Year in 1953. Mr. Umphlett spent twenty one years as a player and a manger in professional baseball. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ahoskie and a longtime member of the Business Men's Bible Class.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Mary Ann Godwin Umphlett of the home; one son, Mike Umphlett and his wife Charlena and grandsons, Christian and Thomas all of Charlotte, NC. Also surviving are sisters, Jean Overton of Ahoskie, NC Nancy Bannerman of Houston, TX, Dot Barton of Richmond, VA and Sarah Hawkins of Lumberton, NC.
Memorial services will be conducted on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Ahoskie with the Rev. Daniel Glaze officiating.
The family will receive friends on Monday evening at the home of Dr. Charles and Lois Sawyer, 112 Forest Drive, Ahoskie, NC from 6:00-7:30 p.m. and other times at the home of Thomas and Mary Ann Umphlett.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ahoskie, 312 West Main Street, Ahoskie, NC 27910.
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service of Ahoskie is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be directed to the family at www.garrettfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Umphlett
6 Entries
William Blake
October 10, 2012
My grandfather, Wilbert Humphlett, grew up with Mr. Umphlett. I believe they are fourth cousins. My most prized baseball card in my collection is a 1955 Tommy Umphlett Bowman. I wish I had a chance to talk baseball with him.
September 26, 2012
My Dad, James Askew grew up in Winton and knew Mr Umphlett and his family. As a result, I grew up hearing about Mr. Umphlett and his baseball career. Recently we saw Mr. Umphlett and his wife in Ahoskie and he was kind enough to pose for a picture with my youngest son who loves baseball very much. It was a thrill for both of us. We are saddened at Mr Umphlett's passing and we wish the family comfort during this time.
Regards,
Keith Askew
Hillsborough, NC
Marie Jacobs
September 25, 2012
MaryAnn, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Joe thought the world of Tommy and I'm sure he will be missed by all that knew him. Kind regards.
September 24, 2012
My sincere sympathy,
Katherine Boone
Kyle Robinson
September 24, 2012
From everyone at Taylor Clay Products, we send our thoughts and prayers to the entire family.
September 24, 2012
I rooted for Tommy when he played for he Hi-Toms in his first year of professional ball. He was a super guy.
Bob Farrington, Cocoa, FL
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