Dr. Thomas “Tom” Ray Vaughan, Jr.
December 2, 1937 ~ September 14, 2021
LINCOLNTON - Dr. Thomas "Tom" Ray Vaughan, Jr., age 83, passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at Cardinal Healthcare in Lincolnton, NC after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on December 2, 1937, he was the son of the late Thomas Ray Vaughan, Sr. and Florine Hayman Vaughan. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Janice Grossman Vaughan.
After graduating from Rocky Mount High School in 1956 where he played high school football, Tom attended his beloved Wake Forest University. While in college, he was a student manager for the Wake Forest basketball team under Bones McKinney. It was during his time in Winston-Salem, he met Janice Grossman from Kannapolis, NC. After graduation, he and Janice married in June 1960 and moved to Richmond, VA where Tom Attended VCU School of Dentistry. After his graduation in 1964, he and Janice moved to Rocky Mount and opened his dental practice. When he wasn't following Wake Forest sports, Tom was an avid golfer. After retiring from dentistry in 2011, Tom moved to Apex, and then to the Charlotte area in 2016 to live closer to his family.
Tom is survived by his children, Lynn Vaughan Leidheiser (Steve) of Cary, Scott Vaughan of Atlantic Beach, and Jeff Vaughan (Emily) of Charlotte. He also leaves behind to cherish his memory his grandchildren, Will, Kate, Jessica, Caroline, Rachel, and Shelby; his brother, Stanley Vaughan of Charlotte; and his sister, Johann Vaughan Sherrill of King's Mountain.
A Graveside Service to celebrate Tom's life will be held on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Pineview Cemetery with Dr. Jody Wright officiating. A visitation with the family will follow the service at the graveside.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Tom's memory to Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or Wake Forest University, Office of Advancement, Box 7227, Winston-Salem, NC 27109 (giving.wfu.edu/giving/).
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Pineview Cemetery
761 N. Raleigh Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
Tuesday 9/21, 1:30 pm - 1:45 pm
A visitation with the family will follow the service at the graveside.
Service
Pineview Cemetery
761 N. Raleigh Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
Tuesday 9/21, 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
A Graveside Service to celebrate Tom's life will be held on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Pineview Cemetery with Dr. Jody Wright officiating.
Cemetery
Pineview Cemetery
761 N. Raleigh Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
Tuesday 9/21, 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Lynn and family. When we moved to Rocky Mount in 1969 our entire family started going to Dr Vaughan. His office was at TarryTown in the same building as my fathers office. I remember after each visit we would go over to Kerr Drugs and get a milkshake. After your father retired we were all at a lose of what Dentist to go to. Your father would actually sit and talk about family. Our family, Your family. That does not happen in todays world. Your friendship has always been so important not only to me but to the Roberson family. Rest in peace Dr Vaughan.
When Tarrytown Mall was open, I began walking there when I moved to Rocky Mount from DC. There was this man that was speedwalking all the time…he would always speak when he went by. I decided to try to keep up with him…I did & we started talking. He told me he was diagnosed with being diabetic but once he started walking, he did not have it anymore…it was under control. I congratulated him. He told me his name Thomas Vaughan & that he had a dental practice in RMT. He was very kind & very serious about his walking! I lost 10 lbs by keeping up with him!! I will remember those walks & think fondly of him. So very sorry for your loss.
I’m thankful Uncle Tommy was able to be with his loving children and siblings in his final weeks, and that he passed peacefully. He lived a full life and was loved by his beautiful wife, Janice, and his amazing children. My prayers go out to Lynn, Scott, Jeff, as well as Stanley and Johanne and their families, as they adjust to life without Uncle Tommy. — Much love, Leslie Grossman
My deepest sympathy to the family. I have known Tommy since childhood when we all lived on Madison Street and played kick the can in the street at night by the light of street lights. Tommy was also our family Dentist and always called my son by my brother’s name because they looked so much alike. He was a sweet person and I know he will be missed. Cookie Watson
Tommy and I went to high school together. We were considered jocks, but he was the real jock, and I did not play football. We talked sports, girls, and food. He had the bigger appetite, and better all around taste. After high school we went to different colleges and careers, he a dentist, me a physician. Dr. Vaughn was my mother’s dentist and she always said he had a gentle touch. In recent years, he shared many stories about Bones McKinney and being the basketball team manager for the Deacons. I wish he had written a book about those experiences. Since it would have confirmed the many stories circulating about Bones. I will always treasure memories of Tommy.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Lynn, Scott, and Jeff. So sorry for your loss.
I hate to see that we have lost another BCC golf friend. Our condolences to the family. Jesse & Carol
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Dr. Vaugh as a dentist. He was a really nice person. Please find some comfort from this scriptures in the bible. At John 528,29 it promises that there will be a resurrection of our dead loved ones. Sincerely, Lydia Bowers