On July 26th, 2023 Thomas “Tom” David Umphries passed away at the age of 76.
An Air Force Brat, Tom grew up all over the country but spent the latter part of his youth in Southern California. Following graduation Tom would eventually become a manager of multiple KFC and Sizzler restaurants in Southern California before being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. One of the first recipients of radiation as a treatment method allowed him to beat his cancer but left him with lifelong side effects and complications of the treatment. Never one to let his spirit get down, Tom eventually relocated to Northern Nevada as a salesman for salon products prior to attending barber school.
All these career choices made him an excellent Sheriff’s Deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office with a calm demeanor and rational mind. While working for the Sheriff’s department, he would take on additional roles as a D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Officer and a Sheriff’s Office Explorer Advisor. Eventually, Tom would finish out his career as the Deputy Director of China Spring Youth Camp where he enjoyed helping to educate and promote juvenile offenders to turn away from a life of crime.
Following retirement Tom and his bride Shirley relocated to Shallotte, NC for 17 years before finding their forever home in Maggie Valley, NC. Tom kept his barber license active throughout his law enforcement career and into retirement allowing him to continue to make friends and an impression on every life he touched.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Rita Umphries and his son Ian Umphries.
He is survived by his bride of 45 years Shirley, his daughter Sage, son Shawn and daughter-in-law Rachel, and brothers Jim and wife Evalgeline, Ed and wife Tricia and Michael Umphries along with their extended families.