Clyde "Tom" Thomas McPherson

Clyde “Tom” Thomas McPherson, 70, a native of Chatham County born Friday, February 3, 1956, officially yelled "PULL!" for the final time.

He leaves behind a legacy as solid as steel and a collection that speaks for itself. A man who never met a firearm he could not strip down, clean, and meticulously organize, Thomas was a man of precision and passion. He spent his happiest weekends, outdoors, listening to the crack of clay pigeons breaking against the sky.

As an avid collector, every piece in his care had a story, and he loved nothing more than sharing those histories with anyone willing to listen. His true joys were mentorship and fundraising. Thomas loved to teach. He spent many years guiding others, passing down the art of the perfect shot to the next generation, both on the range and in life.

He leaves behind a legacy of skeet shooting, patience, and a family that should know how to properly clean a shotgun.

Thomas was a head saw operator at Elkins Sawmill, where he became part of their family. He spent his life making sure things were straight, true, and cut exactly to size. He loved the smell of sawdust in the mornings, and his family will remember him anytime they catch the scent of fresh-cut wood or gunpowder.

On September 12, 2026, he decided his work here was done and began his retirement in the sky.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Margaret McPherson of Siler City, North Carolina; his step-granddaughter, Jessica; and his beloved furry companion, Candy.

He leaves to cherish his memory of his loving wife of 8 years, Barbara McPherson of Lillington, North Carolina, and his favorite furry friend, Molly.

He is also survived by: his daughter, Katina Staples (John) of Lexington, North Carolina; his son, Patrick McPherson (Ashley) of Bear Creek, North Carolina; his brother, Mike McPherson (Carol) of Siler City, North Carolina; his stepdaughter, Christy McGuire (Duane) of Broadway, North Carolina; his stepdaughter, Denise Godfrey (Cory) of Broadway, North Carolina; his grandchildren, Kesley (Doug), Kendall, Kalyssa, and Dylan; his step-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Adrianna, and Autumn; his great-grandchildren, Chevy and Keegan; his step-great-grandchildren, EJ, Crystal, Zoey, Braxtyn, Levi, and Gunner and more friends than could ever be named.

His wisdom, patience, and unwavering love for his family will never be forgotten.

May his aim remain true, and may his friends always remember him on the range.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the McPherson Jr. Skeet League. Checks should be made payable to Matthew Spartz and mailed to 205 Hunter Drive Broadway, NC 27505.

The family extends a special thank you to the dedicated team at Cape Fear Valley for the excellent care they provided.

Yesterday he was surviving, but today he is living.

A heartfelt thank you to Pastor Curtis Norris for leading the family in prayer throughout this difficult journey.

The family will receive friends at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home in Siler City on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held in the Smith & Buckner Chapel immediately following the visitation, officiated by Matthew Spartz and Pastor Curtis Norris.

Burial will follow at Euphronia Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Sanford, North Carolina.

Following the graveside service, family and friends are invited to gather for a meal and fellowship at Calvary Church of Olivia in Sanford.

The family warmly welcomes you to share your stories, memories, and special moments of Thomas. They would love to hear them.

Rest easy, Thomas. Your work here is done. PULL!

A precious one from us is gone; a voice we loved is still. A place vacant in our home that can never be filled.”

Please share a memory or condolence for the family in Tom’s guest book below.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home of Siler City, North Carolina, is honored to serve the family of Clyde “Tom” Thomas McPherson.