John Thomas Pegram
John Thomas "Smoky" Pegram passed away peacefully on June 16, 2024, at his home in Bassett, Virginia. Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on March 8, 1931, to the late Thomas Roger Pegram and Carrie Hines Pegram, Smoky lived a full and impactful life. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 71 years, Phyllis, his sister Doris Maxey, and his brothers Richard and Bruce Pegram.
Smoky is survived by his loving children: Jane P. Young (Mark), Tom Pegram (Rita), Kent Pegram, Harriet P. McGuire (Danny), and Robert Pegram. He leaves behind a legacy through his cherished grandchildren: Tristen Pegram Livick (Andrew), Josh Pegram (Chelsea), Jordan Pegram (Liz), Tyler McGuire (Jordan), Abbey McGuire, Alex Pegram, and Amber Pegram; and his great-grandchildren: Audrey Pegram, Toby Pegram, Abigail Pegram, Benjamin Pegram, Ace Livick, Eloise Livick, and Shiloh Pegram. Smoky is also survived by his brother Joe Pegram (Peggy), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of friends in the community.
Smoky attended school in Bassett and graduated from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. After serving honorably in the Army, he returned to his community as a teacher and football coach at Bassett High School. He later embarked on a distinguished career with Stanley Furniture, dedicating over 30 years to the company.
In his retirement, Smoky found joy in playing golf with friends and family and treasured the moments spent with his loved ones at the beach in Oak Island. A pillar of his community, he was an active member of Pocahontas Bassett Baptist Church, where he taught the men’s Sunday School class and served as a deacon for many years, receiving Deacon Emeritus recognition. Smoky's dedication to community service was evident through his role in helping found the Greater Bassett Area Community, Inc., an effort to revitalize his beloved town, for which he received the prestigious 2017 Jack Dalton award.
Smoky's life was a testament to his deep love and devotion to his family, friends, and community. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to others have left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Pocahontas Baptist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A burial will immediately follow at Roselawn Burial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Smoky's honor to the Pocahontas Bassett Baptist Church Endowment Fund, PO Box 507, Bassett, VA 24055, or to the Greater Bassett Area Community, Inc., 178 Pinewood Lane, Bassett, VA 24055.
