Thomas Goffe Obituary

Thomas Hart Goffe

December 16, 1963 - January 19, 2025

Smithfield, North Carolina - Thomas Hart Goffe of Smithfield, North Carolina died on January 19, 2025, following a life of service and dedication to his country, his community and his church.

Tom was born December 16, 1963 in Findlay, Ohio, to John Oliver Goffe and Judy Herrod Goffe. Tom spent his childhood years in Louisiana, Wyoming and Oklahoma, graduating in 1982 from Bishop McGuinness High School in Oklahoma City.

Prior to graduating from high school, Tom enlisted in the United States Army as a 17-year-old, and participated in Army ROTC while attending the University of Kansas. In 1983, Tom returned to active duty, taking up a specialty in nuclear, biological and chemical warfare. As a newly minted Army Ranger, his first combat jump was in Grenada-a circumstance that also earned him the first of several Purple Hearts. Tom later completed Special Forces training and served in numerous roles domestically and overseas, including Central America, Germany, Korea, the Persian Gulf, and Somalia. He received numerous other decorations and commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal and 3 Bronze Stars (valor). Tom also served as a member of the U.S. Army Presidential Honor Guard and Sergeant of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. He was a founding life member of the Old Guard Association.

In 1999, Tom completed a business degree at Fordham University, where he met his wife of 25 years, Sheila. Tom embarked on a new career in finance, working for several Wall Street brokerages, then later returned to Northern Virgina where he worked for the U.S. Comptroller of the Currency.

Tom combined a wide range of interests with a love of learning in numerous adventures and projects later in life. He combined his skills in woodworking and writing as an editor for Fine Woodworking Magazine. An interest in photography and history inspired travel domestically and overseas. A lifelong fascination with history and politics resulted in numerous published commentaries ranging from his own blogs to the Wall Street Journal.

When he moved to Smithfield in 2008, he immediately became active in the community. He volunteered on numerous political campaigns and worked as a legislative aide at the North Carolina General Assembly. Tom also served several terms as Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Johnston Country Republican Party and was a member of the GOP State Executive Committee.

Tom was a man of strong faith and worked through physical challenges later in life to assist, inspire and motivate others. He participated in numerous roles at St. Ann Catholic Church in Clayton, where he was a beloved lector, teacher, and leader of multiple Knights of Columbus assemblies.

He is survived by his wife Sheila, brother William Goffe of Pine Grove Mills, PA, sister Mary (Lee) Cook of Middleville, Michigan, nephews Alexander and Brian Cook, Patrick Hayes, and niece Elizabeth Cook.

The family will receive friends at McLaurin Funeral Home, 12830 U.S. 70 Bus. Hwy. West, Clayton, NC on Sunday, January 26, between 5:00 – 7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Ann Catholic Church, Clayton, on Monday January 27, 2025 at 11:00 am. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann Church or the Old Guard Association. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com for the Goffe family. Arrangements are with McLaurin Funeral Home, Clayton.