Thomas Colston Edgerton

THOMAS COLSTON EDGERTON Thomas Colston Edgerton passed away on March 12, 2016, after a short illness and now rests peacefully with his Lord and Savior. Thomas was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and most recently, proud great grandfather. He lived a life of humility, honesty, humor, and service to his faith, family, and friends. Thomas was the son of the late Earl Dock Edgerton and Hettie Gurley Edgerton. He was born in Dublin, NC, and moved to Wallace during his teen years where he met the love of his life, Lois Carmen Herring. The couple were married at Wallace Presbyterian Church and were blessed with 63 years of loving, devoted marriage that exemplified the perfect union of best friends and soulmates. Thomas's primary passions were his Christian faith, loving family, and cherished friends. He will also be remembered for his loyalty to NC State University where he graduated with a degree in textile engineering. His 30-year career in that field took him to Charlotte, New York, Venezuela, Colombia and Mexico. Thomas also proudly served in the US Navy where he ultimately achieved the rank of Captain in the Naval Reserve. In his retirement to Wallace, Thomas served as an elder at Wallace Presbyterian Church and a loyal Rotarian. He was a charter member of River Landing Country Club where he pursued one of his other passions: playing golf. Thomas was always fascinated by trains, and the restoration of the Wallace Train Depot was his pet project and lasting contribution to the community. In 2011, he was awarded the Carlton Award that recognizes the community's finest civic leader. Thomas is survived by his wife, Lois Herring Edgerton and sisters Edna Earle Brinson and Dorothy Baker, as well as his sons Dr. Stephen Edgerton and wife Martha of Wilmington, NC, Dr. Arthur Edgerton and wife Ann of Pinehurst, NC, son Eric Edgerton and wife Amy of Indialantic, FL. Loving grandchildren are Taylor Glenn and husband Barron, Spencer Edgerton, Anna Edgerton, Colston Edgerton, Paisley Carpenter and husband Eric, and Jordan Edgerton and step grandchildren, Michael Church and Amanda Church. He is also survived by his cherished great granddaughter Corinne Grace Glenn. A memorial service to celebrate Thomas's life will be held at Wallace Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 19 at 3:00 pm with Rev. Phil Gladden officiating. The family will greet friends in the fellowship hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Wallace Presbyterian Church at 205 W. Main St., Wallace, NC 28466. Arrangements are under the care of Padgett Funeral Home, Wallace, NC.