October 22, 2021, 66, La Grange –

George Thomas “Tom” Foyles, III., passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 22, 2021. He was born in Greene County to the late George Thomas Foyles, Jr. and Susan Cunningham Foyles on February 11, 1955. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Travis Foyles; nephews, Thomas Henry “Tom-Tom” Suggs and Travis Foyles; and great-nephew, T.J. Suggs.

Tom was mischievous as a child and could stir up his fair share of trouble. As with all siblings, he had quite the rivalry with his brother and sisters. While he and Sue argued over a game of checkers, their sister, Melba, was in the middle as referee. Older sister, Lossie, was like a mother hen to her younger siblings and often tried to keep her little brother in line. Though Tom was quick to start a fight with his brother and sisters, he had a genuinely warm and good heart.

From his chickens as an adult to his ducks as a child, Tom cared for his animals just as God had commanded Adam to do. His tender heart motivated him to care for not only his own animals but also those of his neighbors.

Believing that learning was a lifelong process, Tom was attending Wayne Community College. Though he had acquired several degrees, he was always interested in learning something new. His latest endeavor was auto body repair. Tom loved to learn and was always ready to work.

From motorcycles and convertibles to tractors, Tom liked anything with a motor. His Harley was his “chick magnet” and his tractors were to keep his brother, Dennis, busy. He and his nephew would attend auctions and purchase equipment for parts or to bring home for Dennis to repair. In most things, Tom was frugal and didn’t want to spend a dime. However, when it came to his “toys” he had no reservations about paying down a dollar.

A true outdoorsman, Tom loved to be at the water with the fishing pole in tow or in his garden in the dirt. Tom’s passion for gardening was in his blood. A farmer at heart, nothing brought him more joy than the harvest from his hard work. Tom’s family were blessed to enjoy the fruits of his labor, whether it be from the grapevine or the blueberry bush. Tom grew up in the fields and it never left him. His final moments were spent tending the land he loved. If Heaven has a garden, Tom will certainly be tending it.

A service to honor and remember Tom’s life will be held Monday, October 25, 2021, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Rouse Funeral Home. The family will receive friends immediately following the service, as well as other times at the home of his sister, Lossie. A private burial will take place at the Snow Hill Cemetery.

Tom is survived by his sisters, Marie Whaley, Melba Speight, and Sue Sutton and husband, Jack; his brother, Dennis Foyles and wife, Beth; his special friend, Jo Goodman; as well as many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to his memorial fund in the care of Rouse Funeral Home, 108 N. Caswell Street, La Grange, NC 28551. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.