Thomas Lee Spivey Sr

Thomas Lee Spivey Sr, 88, of Mint Hill, died Thursday, March 7, 2024, under the care of hospice at Novant Medical Center - Mint Hill Campus.

Tom was born on July 9, 1935 in Coats NC - the third of four sons born to James Hector Spivey and Louise Fischer Spivey. He spent his youth in the Johnsonville/Olivia area of western Harnett County, just east of Sanford, NC. Leading a full and adventurous childhood, he learned the importance of hard work at an early age while working in the local tobacco fields and his dad’s saw mill. He was very active at Benhaven High School playing baseball , basketball, and serving as the drum major.

He later married his high school sweetheart, Sylvia McKinney and moved to Kinston NC where he served in the military and later in the Army reserves. They moved to Charlotte in 1959 and Tom began a long and successful career at National Linen Service.

The family moved to Mint Hill NC in 1968 where he quickly became an integral part of the community for the next 55 years. After the death of Sylvia, he met Patrica Crump and began a new chapter in his life. They were married for 49 years.

Tom was a real entrepreneur and a lifelong learner. He was constantly trying new things and adding new skills to his repertoire. As a child, he learned to repair things around the saw mill so there weren’t many things he couldn’t fix, build or at least give it his best attempt.

After retiring as a manager of National Linen, he began a second career at Clear Creek Elementary School. He took pride in his accomplishments there and truly loved the time he was able to spend with the children.

His many hobbies included repairing small engines and lawnmowers, landscaping, and woodworking. In his later years, he specialized in building birdhouses. He seldom, if ever, accepted money for the houses as he just liked to see his creations being enjoyed by others.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He lived for his children and was so proud of their accomplishments, though always deflecting away any credit. As his family grew over the years, he remained young at heart, cherishing playtime and merriment with the kids but at the same time teaching them important life lessons and being the quintessential role model for them to observe. He was also an ideal friend, one always there for you with never an expectation in return - although you might have to sit through a couple of his jokes.

He was a care provider for much of his life as he provided the support, understanding and love needed during the long illnesses of both his wives.

Most importantly, he was a godly man. He believed in the promises of God and he shared that daily both through his teachings and his actions. Throughout his life, he was a fixture in several churches, serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir director, scout leader and prayer leader.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, mother, first wife and three brothers. He is survived by his wife Patricia, three children - Tom Spivey Jr. (Kim), Louise Stokes (Jerry) and Tracy Lankford (Trey), six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one great grandchild soon to arrive.

Tom’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for him and for them. Visitation will begin at 2pm on Monday, March 11, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 8947 Albemarle Rd, Charlotte, NC 28227, with the service to follow at 3 pm. Following the service, Tom will be taken in procession to his final place of rest at Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road, Charlotte, NC 28227.