Thomas Wesley Snipes

Thomas Wesley Snipes, 80, of Mebane passed away at his residence on Sunday, January 9, 2022 after two years of declining health.

A native of Chatham County, he was the husband of Patricia Sheets Snipes and the son of the late Thomas “Tuck” Lynch Snipes and the late Thenia Howard Snipes. He was a member of Hebron United Methodist Church, the Bynum Ruritan Club and was a retired Captain of Detectives for the Chapel Hill Police Department.

Tom was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.  To say he adored his grandkids would be an understatement.  He loved to play with them when they were young.  Attending their activities growing up (birthdays, sports, band, dance, etc.) was a priority.  The Siberian Husky was his favorite furry family member.  Over the years, he enjoyed his companionship, love and loyalty with Sam, Tucker, Kalimae and Wesley.   

The highlight of Tom's days could be as huge as traveling and camping across the country or simply sitting on the porch drinking coffee watching the sun rise and then sitting by a fire in the evening while watching the sunset over the mountains.  He was always amazed at God's "handy work" and often commented that no two sunsets were ever alike. 

Tom's love of the mountains was nothing less than exuberant.  Hiking up the mountains, around the Blue Ridge Parkway or in some of the National Parks was among his favorite activities.  His motto was "the mountains are calling me and I must go".  He did "go" quite often.  Tom is resting high on the mountain now.

In addition to his wife of their home, survivors include his daughters, Karen Snipes of Durham and Kelley Lauer of Chapel Hill; sons, Thomas E. Snipes (Karen) of Chapel Hill and Michael Phillips (Tina Faucette) of Haw River; grandchildren, Kerri Snipes, Kadie Snipes, Dylan Phillips and Haley Phillips; great-grandson, Jacob Lyman; and sisters, Carolyn Lloyd (Paul) of Chapel Hill and Frankie Jones (David) of Pittsboro.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his great-granddaughter, Callie Elaine Lyman and sister, Lora Snipes Sparrow.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at the Rich and Thompson Funeral Home in Graham, North Carolina (Masks encouraged, but optional).

His funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 14, 2022, at Hebron United Methodist Church in Mebane (Masks required). The committal service will be held immediately following the funeral service at Bynum Methodist Church Cemetery in Pittsboro.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center or UNC Hospice.
 

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