Thomas Jones O'Briant

Raleigh, NC: Mr. Thomas Jones O’Briant, age 86, of Raleigh passed away on Monday, September 2, 2024 at Transitions Hospice Care in Raleigh, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral Service will be held 3:00 PM Sunday, September 8, 2024 at Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Benson. Rev. George Fox will be officiating. Burial will follow in Hodges Chapel PFWB Church Cemetery in Benson.

Surviving is his wife of 58 years, Sue Barefoot O’Briant; his son, Jeffrey O’Briant; daughter, Kelley O’Briant; grandchildren, Travis Freedman, Katie Freedman, Aislinn (Gracie) Freedman, Emma Ruth (Ruthie) Freedman, Raina Freedman, Anna Rose (Asher) Freedman; and many nieces, nephews and extended family he greatly cherished.

Thomas was born on June 13, 1938 in Wake County to the late Joel Thomas O’Briant and Emma Katherine Jones O’Briant. He graduated both Broughton High School and then Hardbarger Business College in accounting. He served in the US Army as a radio operator and finished in the reserves. After military service, he worked for the US Post Office for 31 years where he held various roles but retired as Superintendent. At the USPS, Thomas was often asked to serve in locations where challenges existed and he always came with solutions. Thomas also founded O’Briant Enterprises (O’Briant Campers) that sold camper shells for pickup trucks in the Triangle area. He grew this business over the years and in the mid 80’s was recognized as the 6th largest dealer in the US. Although started in Dunn, NC, for the last 10 years O’Briant Campers was located beside Krispy Kreme on Person Street in Raleigh where many customers had a doughnut while waiting. During it all, Thomas was a devoted member at Bethlehem Baptist Church for over 50 years.

Over the years, he enjoyed visiting the NC and TN mountains regularly. Since retirement, he split time between Emerald Isle and Raleigh. Likewise, Thomas looked forward to an annual trip where he and Sue enjoyed ‘eating’ their way through the New England States. Although he had hobbies over the years (fishing, hunting, baseball, motorcycles), his greatest joy was spending time with family and especially his six grandchildren. He had a nickname, an ongoing joke or just something unique he shared with each of them.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 8 from 1:30 PM to 2:45 PM at Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Benson. 

The Family appreciates your thoughts and prayers at this time. 

In lieu of flowers, Thomas and his family ask that you make a contribution to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org or Bethlehem Baptist Church in Knightdale, NC. https://bethlehemknightdale.com

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson