Thomas Jackson "Tommy" Badgett II

WALNUT COVE - Mr. Thomas Jackson "Tommy" Badgett II, 82, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006, at Walnut Cove Healthcare Center after a long illness. He was born in White Plains (Surry County) to Thomas Jackson and Lillian Venable Badgett. Mr. Badgett was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force (Army Air Corps). He served aboard a B-24 Liberator in World War II, flying 13 missions over Nazi-occupied Europe (from 1942 to 1945). He received three presidential citations, the Certificate of Valor and other medals and citations. He was honorably discharged in 1946. In 1947, he joined the N.C. Highway Patrol, where he served until his retirement in 1984. Mr. Badgett was a lover of nature and animals, was devoted to his family and friends and was a Mason and a devout Christian. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Hauser Badgett; four children, Karen (Darren) Guttman of Key West, Fla.; Patricia (Mike) Wagner of Germanton; and Mark Badgett of Pinnacle and Eric (Priscilla) Badgett of King; five grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and a sister, Alma Jackson, of Mount Airy. Preceding him in death were his brothers, Lee Badgett, Fred Badgett, Wesley Badgett and Grady Badgett; and a sister, Thelma Whiteheart. An 11 a.m. graveside service will be conducted Thursday, Feb. 2, at Doubs Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Pfafftown, with the Rev. Allen Morrison and the Rev. Jack Anderson officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 this evening, Feb. 1, at Burroughs Funeral Home in Walnut Cove. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Animal Rescue of Stokes County, c/o Candice Loy, P.O. Box 448, Walnut Cove, NC 27052. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of Walnut Cove Healthcare Center and Dr. Samuel Newsome for their loving care during Mr. Badgett's long illness.