Thomas "Thom" Christopher Hege

Thomas (Thom) Christopher Hege, 76, of Davidson County, NC, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Mt. Olivet Methodist Church with Pastor Karen Roberts officiating. Visitation will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

Born February 1, 1949, in Davidson County, Thom was the son of the late Robert Hege and Diana DeLapp Hege. He grew up on a dairy farm in northern Davidson County with his four brothers, instilled with the values of faith, family, and hard work. He was a proud Grange youth member, active in 4-H, a member of the State 4-H Honor Club, and FFA American Farmer degree.

A 1967 graduate of North Davidson High School, Thom went on to earn dual degrees from NC State University in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Engineering in 1971, where he was a member of Alpha Zeta Fraternity. He served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1971 to 1977, achieving the rank of Specialist Six.

Thom was a lifelong advocate for agriculture and rural development. He partnered with his brothers in the family’s business, Robana Farm LLC, and dedicated himself to serving his community. He held leadership roles on numerous boards at the county, district, and state levels, including as a trustee and past chairman of Davidson-Davie Community College. He also served on the Lake Thom-Lex Board, the Davidson County Airport Authority, and the Zoning Board of Adjustment, Voluntary AG District and the NC AG Finance Authority. In 2024, he was recognized with the Outstanding Service to Agriculture and Extension Award.

A devoted member of Mt. Olivet Methodist Church, Thom served as a trustee, Sunday school teacher, and member of various committees throughout the years. He was a constant presence in church life and community affairs, always ready with a smile, a story, or a helping hand.

Thom was married for 54 years to Harriet Sink Hege. Together they built a life rooted in love and service. He is survived by their two sons, Chris (Renee) and Patrick, both NC State graduates; grandchildren Connor, Sophie, and Hudson (mother, Erica); and bonus granddaughters Stella and Emma. He is also survived by his brothers Dan (Libby), Ben (Johnsie), and Len (Lynne). He was preceded in death by his brother Robert Hege III (June).

Thom found his greatest joy in family, especially by the New River, where he loved watching from the swing or taking kayaks upstream with his sons and grandchildren. He had a lifelong love for Ford tractors and farm machinery, which he enjoyed buying, selling, and tinkering with as a “working hobby.”

Thomas Christopher Hege leaves behind a legacy of faith, stewardship, and community service. He will be remembered for his warmth, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the land and the people he loved.

Memorials may be made to Davidson-Davie Community College, Thom & Harriet Hege Scholarship or to Mt. Olivet UMC Building Fund, 1082 Community Road, Lexington, NC 27295.