Thomas M. Umphlett

September 21, 2012

09/21/2012

Mr. Thomas M. Umphlett, age 81 died at the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, VA on Friday, September 21, 2012. He was born to Daisy Mullen Umphlett and Willie L. Umphlett on May 12, 1931. Mr. Umphlett graduated from Ahoskie High School in 1950 where he excelled in basketball, baseball and football. Following high school he had scholarship offers from Duke, UNC, NC State and Wake Forest University to play football. Also during this time he was being scouted by the Boston Red Sox and chose to sign with them in 1950. In 1953 he became the starting center fielder. He was runner up for Rookie of the Year in the American League and named Boston‚??s Rookie of the Year in 1953. Mr. Umphlett spent twenty one years as a player and a manger in professional baseball. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ahoskie and a longtime member of the Business Men‚??s Bible Class.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Mary Ann Godwin Umphlett of the home, one son Mike Umphlett and his wife Charlena and grandsons, Christian and Thomas all of Charlotte, NC. Also surviving are sisters, Jean Overton of Ahoskie, NC Nancy Bannerman of Houston, TX, Dot Barton of Richmond, VA and Sarah Hawkins of Lumberton, NC.

Memorial services will be conducted on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 11 A.M. at the First Baptist Church of Ahoskie with the Rev. Daniel Glaze officiating.

The family will receive friends on Monday evening at the home of Dr. Charles and Lois Sawyer, 112 Forest Drive, Ahoskie, NC from 6:00-7:30 P.M. and other times at the home of Thomas and Mary Ann Umphlett.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ahoskie, 312 West Main Street, Ahoskie, NC 27910

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service of Ahoskie is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be directed to the family at www.garrettfh.com

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Clay & Tammy Piland
11 years ago

We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Umphletts passing. He was such a joy to be around. Our daughter Carly thought he was just the best. From the time I was little and his back yard was at my grandmas back yard, I have always known him to be such a sweet, kind, caring man. I loved to see him smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and his friends. He will be truly missed.

Jennifer House
11 years ago

I was saddened to hear of “Coach Umphlett’s” passing. I have fond memories of Coach Umphlett from many tennis practices at Beechwood. He was an important figure in my High School years at Ridgecroft and he will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

tommy overton
11 years ago

Mary Ann, please accept our deep sympathy. We were out of town doing some babysitting and that is the reason you have not heard from us earlier. We know it is hard to accept, but we also know that you have already turned to Jesus for your strength. Love, Tommy & Mavis. We made a donation to First Baptist in Tommy’s memory.

Jetta Brett Mohan
11 years ago

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Umphlett’s passing. I have fond memories of the Umphlett family from growing up in Ahoskie. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Henry and Bertha Ricks
11 years ago

Dear Mrs. Umphlett and Family,

Please accept our deepest condolences in death of your dear loved one.

(2 Corinthians 1:3-4) . . .Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation. . .

Trudi Barton Allcott
11 years ago

Dear Mary Ann and Family:

I just learned that Uncle Tommy had passed away, and I wanted to send condolences on behalf of his sister, Dot, and my husband and myself. We were so saddened to learn of his passing, and we know you must be so sad at this time. My mother (his sister Dot) is unable to write, of course, but she speaks of Tommy often, as the past is now clearer to her than the present. From her stories, it is clear that Uncle Tommy was truly one of a kind. And, as a stand-out athlete, an uncle we can all be proud of. Please accept our very deepest condolences at this sad time. We are thinking of you.

Your niece, Trudi Barton Allcott

Linda & Stuart Dunn
11 years ago

Mary Ann, Stuart & I were so sorry to hear about Tommy while in Ahoskie this weekend. I’m glad Mom & I got to speak with you both at lunch a couple of weeks ago @ Charlie West’s. Our thoughts & prayers go out to you & your family.

Wendy Quattlebaum
11 years ago

We are so sorry to hear of Tommy’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Wendy and Jim Quattlebaum