Thomas Sanford Hager Jr.

Thomas Sanford Hager Jr, age 66, affectionately known as Tom and Tommy, a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. He was born in Iredell County on June 14, 1958 to the late Thomas Sanford Hager Sr and Carolyn Day Hager. Thomas life was a vibrant ray of passion, kindness and youthful exuberance.

He was predeceased by his father, Thomas S. Hager Sr and Brother, Mark D. Hager. Those that are left behind with cherished memories are his mother, Carolyn D. Hager and Brothers, Bradley C. Hager (Marcia), Paul D. Hager, and Niece Hannah Brooks, Nephew Devin and Niece Alexis Hager Browne (Matthew).

He was a 1976 graduate of South Rowan High School and 1980 graduate from Gardner-Webb University. Thomas was completing his final year of employment, being on the edge of retiring from Wells Fargo Center, downtown Charlotte NC as a Commercial Loan Specialist. His earlier Professional Specialist Experience consisted of Wachovia Bank, Charlotte NC, Specialist Risk Management Group, Specialist Businesses Credit Solutions, Specialist Corporate and Investment Banking Group and Specialist Consumer Credit Division. Thomas also showed a deep love for meeting people and working with the public, which led him to his compassion in his younger years in retail management for Dillard Corporation in Charlotte NC, as Executive Sales Manager/Special Events Coordinator and Belks Brother Company as Human Resource Coordinator, Director of Sales and Buyer, and Lancaster Model for Cool Water.

Thomas's favorite things were family, traveling and friends. He loved visiting and spending special time with his mom on Sundays and hanging out with his brothers. He loved traveling, and revisiting many of his favorites from out the 50+ countries he had visited. Thomas adventurous spirit shone through in his love for exploring the great outdoors, mountains, over 27 castles and cathedrals in foreign regions, and variety of distant shores. He loved people and adventuring out with friends in the Plaza-Midwood Community. Many folks addressed him as Mayor because he was so accepted and well-liked by many people and surrounding establishments, especially Charlotte's Landmark the Thirsty Beaver. Known for his kind heart, quick wit, and infectious smile, Thomas left a lasting impact on everyone he met. His intelligence and curiosity made him distinguish and eager to learn and explore new ideas.

His love for animals was profound. He loved and collected Zebras. He loved cats and dogs, and the simplest of birds, squirrels and deer, viewing from his own, or mom's patio and porches when visiting. Thomas's character of joking, clowning, whisper talking, grin smirky smiles, and jester imitating were reflections and just a spice of his vibrant personality.

Thomas will be remembered for his unwavering spirit, infectious smile that never left his face, even during the most challenging matches, he still shared a smirk or two. He was a believer of The Father Which Art in Heaven, and was Saved and Baptized for the Union of Jesus Christ.

Thomas legacy of kindness, laughter, passion, and love for life will continue to inspire and live on in the hearts of all those who knew him. As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, son, brother, uncle and friend let us carry forward the light

he brought to each of our lives. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. We all loved you Thomas, Tom, Tommy.

Viewing will be on Sunday, July 28, 2024 from 2:00 pm till 3:00 pm at Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home 1420 N Main St, China Grove NC, with a Celebration of Life to follow from 3:00 till 4:00 pm. also, at Linn-Honeycutt in the Reception Dining Room.