Oscar Linwood Priest

Oscar Linwood Priest, Jr., 90, of Asheboro passed away Saturday, September 30, 2023, at his home.

Lynn was born in Whiteville, North Carolina on February 28, 1933, son of the late Oscar L. Priest, Sr. and Mollie Oldham Priest. When Lynn was a young child, his family relocated to Asheboro where he attended Fayetteville Street School, later attending Asheboro High School where he was part of the first graduating class in 1951. After high school, Lynn attended Lenoir-Ryne College on a partial football scholarship, attending only one year when Uncle Sam called him to serve his country during the Korean Conflict. While serving, Lynn was a radio operator, sending morse code. He also helped string phone lines out across all the cold, snowy mountains of Korea. After returning home, Lynn met Martha Powers as he was leaving church. Martha would become the love of his life, marrying in 1955. Lynn and Martha celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on November 12, 2005, before Martha passed away the following January.

While selling furniture for Burkhead Furniture, and working as an operations clerk at Randolph Electric Membership, Lynn received a degree in Business Administration from Asheboro Commercial College. In 1965, Lynn took a job as a technician with Klopman Mills, working there until 1972 when he became a housing inspector for the city of Asheboro. Over the years, Lynn has served as a Planning Technician, Code Enforcement Officer, and Community Development Director, committing a total of 37 years to the city of Asheboro. Mr. Priest took great pride in the developments that he helped contribute to for the city, including the development of Bicentennial Park, the Asheboro Farmer’s Market, the Church Street sidewalks, and Sunset Streetscape.
Mr. Priest was a community driven man, serving as the Vice President of the Asheboro Jaycees and was a member of the Randolph Rotary Club. He was also a charter member of the East Hog Eye Yacht Club. Lynn enjoyed all types of fishing, as well as working in the yard and playing golf. He was always very proud of the hundreds of boys he has helped coach over the years on little league baseball and football teams.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Priest was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Powers Priest; daughter, Lori Leigh Priest-Dehart; and brother, Daniel Russell Priest. Mr. Priest is survived by his daughter, Vicki Draughn (Doug Fairrington) of Asheboro, and grandson Andrew Ryan See.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery with Pastor Gary Mason officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gentiva Hospice of Asheboro.

Pugh Funeral Home is serving the Priest family.