William Flynt Sr.

1940 - 2025

William Thomas Flynt Sr., known to his friends and family as Tommy, passed away peacefully at his home in Eden on Tuesday, September 30th.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Leaksville United Methodist Church, with burial to follow at Lawson Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 1 p.m.-2 p.m., in the church sanctuary. Following the service, the family will receive friends at The Morehead-Fair House.

Tommy was born in Winston-Salem, NC, to the late Margaret Hatcher Flynt Thorpe and the late Romulus Hoke Flynt. Tommy spent his childhood surrounded by family in Pfafftown, NC, and graduated from Northwest High School in Winston-Salem. After high school, Tommy attended the University of North Carolina where he became an avid Tar Heel fan, graduating in 1963.

After graduation, Tommy returned home to Pfafftown where he worked in the family business, Flynt Oil. While in Pfafftown, Tommy met his future wife, the late Gail Ogburn Flynt, at Pfafftown Christian Church where Gail served as the choir director. Tommy and Gail were married in 1964, moving to Leaksville, NC, (now Eden), several years later. In Eden, Tommy began his 40-year banking career with Home Savings and Loan (Home Trust Bank). Through his work at Home Trust Bank, Tommy provided countless local families the opportunity to establish homes in Eden.

Tommy spent his life serving his community on numerous state and local boards. He served in a variety of roles over the years at Leaksville United Methodist Church, the Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels and the local ABC Board. Tommy was elected as a County Commissioner and represented Rockingham County from 2008-2012. He was a member of the Eden Chamber of Commerce Board and the Rockingham Committee of 100. He was instrumental in the creation of the Rockingham County Community Foundation, where he also served as a board member for over a decade. In honor of his contributions to his community, Tommy was recognized as the Eden Citizen of the Year in 2007.

In his spare time, Tommy loved spending time with his family at the beaches of North and South Carolina. He enjoyed tending to his gardens, and his yard was a testament to his green thumb. Born with a generous spirit, Tommy found his greatest joy in helping others. Community members have described Tommy as genuine and selfless, a leader by example who was grounded by personal values of honesty, integrity, empathy, responsibility and respect. Tommy will be remembered for his calm demeanor and compassionate soul.

Tommy was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Gail Ogburn Flynt, and his son-in-law, Kenan Casteen Wright. Tommy is survived by his daughter, Molly Flynt Wright of Eden, sons William (Will) Thomas Flynt, Jr. of Eden, and Hoke Ogburn Flynt (Julie) of Wilmington; his beloved grandchildren, Margaret and Elizabeth Wright, William and Warren Flynt, Charlie and Ben Flynt; his brothers, Guy Flynt (Jane), and Robert Flynt (Sue); and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be sent to Leaksville United Methodist Church, 603 Henry St, Eden, NC 27288, or the Tommy Flynt Business Scholarship at Rockingham Community College, payable to RCC Foundation, Inc., Post Office Box 38, Wentworth, NC 27375-0038 (memo: Tommy Flynt Business Scholarship).

Online condolences may be made at www.fairfuneralhome.com.