Luther "Tommy" Alligood

1954 - 2026

Luther Thomas “Tommy” Alligood, age 71, a resident of Washington Park, NC passed away Sunday February 22, 2026 at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, NC.

A graveside service will be held 2:00 PM Sunday March 1, 2026 at Pamlico Memorial Gardens and will be officiated by Pastor Kevin Whaley. Pallbearers will be his nephews: Shawn Galloway, Richie Alligood, Timmy Alligood, Scotty Harding, Glen Sheppard, Jr., Travis Cherry, and Matthew Lewis. Honorary pallbearers include Juan Hernandez, Jr. and Shelton Muse.

The family will receive friends at the home.

Mr. Alligood was born in Beaufort County on April 23, 1954 to the late Charlie Hill Alligood and Mamie Jackson Alligood.  On February 15, 1986, Tommy married the love of his life – his Barbie Doll - Barbara “Barbie” Elzey who survives; having celebrated 40 years of marriage just two weeks past. Tommy was a graduate of Washington High School and was the owner of Alligood Painting & Roofing. He enjoyed playing cards with the Over the Hill Card gang, spending time by the pool, and grilling – often, at the end of a job, Tommy would cook one of his county-wide, famous hams for his customers.  Come October, he would receive many calls wanting to place an order for a ham for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Tommy was a big part of his community; he had played Santa since the 1970’s - going to hospitals, nursing homes and schools, spreading and sharing the joy of Christmas.  He and Barbie began holding yearly “Santa on the Porch” events at their home on River Road about 30 years ago; welcoming photo taking and encouraging everyone to bring donations for J&Js Homeless Pet Rescue. Playing Santa, brought Tommy great joy and to Barie, Tommy was Santa.  Tommy was a true-blue Dallas Cowboys fan and even had an entire room in his house dedicated to the team. He was a member of Grimesland Free Will Baptist Church.

In addition to his wife, Barbie Alligood, survivors include his son, David Allen Dew, II and wife Connie of Bayview, two grandchildren, Noel Dew, Dawson Jackson, a brother, Ray Alligood and wife Brenda, four sisters, Peggy Cherry, Marie Galloway and husband Bill, Edna Sheppard and husband Jerry, Dorothy Lewis, and numerous nieces and nephews – one extra special niece, Valerie Cherry, has stood beside & behind Tommy and Barbie through their illnesses; carrying Barbie, on many of those days throughout this time, her kind and caring ways will be forever remembered.

He is preceded in death by a deceased son, Duane Thomas Alligood and two sisters, Linda Sheppard and Lyda Adams.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to the Tommy Alligood Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1465, Washington, NC 27889.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Alligood family.