Thomas Victor Aldridge, Sr. | Raleigh News & Observer

Thomas Victor Aldridge, Sr. of Siler City, NC went to his final rest on June 15, 2015 at the age of 95. At the time of his death, Victor was the oldest living retired North Carolina Highway Patrolman. He was born on August 23, 1919, the ninth of ten children born to Jesse Filmore Aldridge and Daisy Lee Simpson Aldridge in the community of Aquadale in Stanly County, North Carolina. Mr. Aldridge, affectionately known by many as “Vic” or “Sarge”, was married to the late Joan Purnell Aldridge for over 50 years. They were the parents of three children, Joan Kaye Weldon of Apex, NC; Judge Thomas Victor Aldridge, Jr. and wife, Janie of North Myrtle Beach, SC and Kathryn Sue Carter and husband, Barry of San Antonia, TX., who survive. There are nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He later married the late Frances Morgan of Siler City, NC, who is survived by her daughter, Kelly Golden and her husband, Richard and three children.

Vic came from humble beginnings, literally being born in a log house on the family farm. Not wishing to stay on the farm, he began to work as a gas station attendant in Albemarle, NC. A chance meeting with Governor Clyde R. Hoey led to being employed as the chauffeur for the Governor. At the end of the governor’s term, Vic had decided he wanted to become a North Carolina Highway Patrolman. While in training to be a patrolman, the new governor, J. Melville Broughton, asked Vic to be his chauffeur. Vic became the first highway patrolman assigned to that position. During that time World War II started and Vic served in the Merchant Marines where he served on a hospital ship in the European theatre. He rejoined the highway patrol on his return to civilian life and served in Rutherford, Chatham, Lee, Moore and Wake counties. He retired from the highway patrol in 1961 with the rank of Lieutenant. On his retirement from the Highway Patrol, Gov. Sanford appointed him as Chairman of the State Board of Alcoholic Law Enforcement agency to enforce the ABC laws of the state. After his term in office, he became employed by and retired from Schenley Industries and American Distillers..

While working in the private sector, he never lost his love for Chatham County and farming. He served on the local Conservation and Development Board for Chatham County and was a member of the school board and a county commissioner.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM at Rocky River Baptist Church on Friday, June 19, 2015. Visitation will take place in the Fellowship Hall of the church after the service. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the North Carolina Retired Troopers Association, NCHPRA, 107 Price Point Dr. Monroe, NC 28110 or the North Carolina Troopers Association, 3505, Vernon Woods Dr., Summerfield, NC 27358.

Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneral home.com