Tom Pilkington of Raeford died September 2, 2023, surrounded by his family, at the age of 80.
He was born in Johnston County May 10, 1943 to the late Luther and Myrtle Pilkington.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Raeford. He joined the US Navy after high school where he served for four years and four months. After his service in the military, he went on to work for the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission as an enforcement officer where he retired after 26 years.
He enjoyed gardening, hunting, and spending time outdoors.
He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Gay Pilkington; four children, Aaron Pilkington (Jessica), Byron Pilkington, Jonathan Pilkington (Mindy), and Jordana Burchett (Robert); grandchildren, Kirk Pilkington, Oliver Pilkington, and Marissa Dougherty, one great-grandchild, Ember Dougherty; and three siblings, Bobby Pilkington (Georgia), Jane Batten, and Charles "Bo" Pilkington (Denise).
A visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. Thursday, September 7, 2023 at the Raeford First Baptist Church. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Tom Lee officiating. The interment will be in the Raeford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Raeford. 333 N. Main St. Raeford, NC 28376, or the NC Wildlife Endowment Fund (252-985-8445). Online memorials may be made on the Crumpler Funeral Home website.