Thomas "Tom" Barry Spivey

Thomas “Tom” Barry Spivey, age 74, of Sanford, NC, passed away Monday, September 6, 2021 at the FirstHealth Hospice House with his family by his side.

He was born in Lee County, NC to the late William Ervin Spivey and Thelma Rachel Simpson Spivey.  Tom served our country in the United States Army and served 37 years in the NC National Guard, retiring as a Sgt. Major. Tom was deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom among other deployments and received a National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals and Armed Forces Reserve Medal. He was the City Manager for the City of Sanford many years ago and retired as the Manager of the Southeast Brunswick Sanitary District in Southport.  He graduated from Greenwood High School, Class of 1965 and East Carolina University with a major in Business Administration.

Tom loved “all things military” and could tell what type of aircraft was flying just by hearing its sound.  He enjoyed building projects and keeping up with current events and listening to his audiobooks.  Most importantly he enjoyed traveling with Ellen and spending time with his family and grandchildren.  Tom was always filled with happiness and never let a smile leave his face.  He was a gentle giant and someone you could look up to. So many people loved him and he loved so many.

He is survived by his wife Ellen Jackson Spivey; children Christy Spivey Johnston and husband Kevin of Newport, NC, Robin Spivey and wife Judy of Jamestown, NC, Shelli Buck and husband Edward of Clayton, NC, Chris Carroll and wife Heather of Sanford, Patrick Carroll and wife Lori of Sanford; brother Ted Spivey and wife Margaret of Mountain City, TN; and grandchildren Kai Salmon and husband Hayden, Blair Johnston, Jenna Johnston, Mitchell Spivey, Bryan Spivey, Kelsey Johnson, Landon Carroll, Kaley Carroll, Addison Carroll and Cameron Carroll.

The family will receive friends Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the fellowship hall of Flat Springs Baptist Church, and other times at the family home, with the funeral service following at 2:00 in the sanctuary with Dr. Gary McCollough officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas "Tom" Barry Spivey, please visit our floral store.