Tommy Ross Rorie, Sr.

Fort Mill, SC - Tommy Ross Rorie, Sr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on April 10, 2025, at the age of 94, in Fort Mill, SC. He was born on February 18, 1931, in Manly, North Carolina to Loe Bonnie and Mary C Rorie

Tommy is preceded in death by his beloved son, Tommy Ross Rorie, Jr; in addition to his son and parents, he was preceded in death by six sisters, Connie Roghelia, Ethel Hussey, Alice Hussey, Mary W. Hintz, Gladys Chasak and Dorothy Lesinak. He was also preceded in death by his three brothers, Harvey Warren Rorie, James Rorie and William Rorie.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Arlene C Rorie of Fort Mill, SC; his daughter, Elizabeth Page (Norman) of Surfside, SC; and son, Craig D Rorie (Sharon) of Charlotte, NC. Tommy was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren, four step–grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Tommy began his career as a telegraph lineman with General Telephone Company of the Southeast. Through his hard work and commitment, he rose through the ranks into sales and management roles across North Carolina, Virginia, and Alabama. Tommy eventually retired from GTE and became one of two District Managers for telephone services for Citizens Utilities in Arizona.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tommy was deeply committed to his community and the organizations that serve it. He was a long-time member of Rotary International, holding various leadership positions that allowed him to raise significant funds for charitable causes. His efforts earned him its highest honor, the distinguished Paul Harris Fellow. Tommy also dedicated his time to the United Way and the American Cancer Society, achieving the role of Lt. Governor for the state of Arizona for the later, where he tirelessly advocated for cancer awareness and support. In retirement, he continued to give back as a volunteer at North Carolina Aquarium in Pine Shores and as an usher at St. Phillip Neri Catholic Church in Fort Mill.

In retirement, he enjoyed life in Pine Knoll Shores and Fort Mill, South Carolina, where he and Arlene loved to cruise, exploring nearly every port in the Caribbean and embarking on cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe. An avid gardener, Tommy took pride in cultivating a flourishing vegetable garden, famously growing tomatoes that reached heights of over seven feet, attracting local media attention. A passionate sports enthusiast, he played basketball and softball in his youth and later umpired and refereed high school games across North Carolina, including high school playoffs. An avid University of North Carolina Basketball fan., his daughter a UNC graduate, he good naturedly sparred with his son, avid Duke fans.

Tommy’s greatest joy, perhaps, was family gatherings filled with stories, laughter and love. Tommy loved music with some of his children’s earliest memories being of him singing around the house or in the car. He was a lifelong gospel music enthusiast.

Tommy’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. As a lifelong Christian, he converted to Roman Catholicism and embraced his new faith with enthusiasm and dedication. His steadfast love for God sustained him through life’s difficulties and allowed him to maintain a positive outlook and a quick wit until his final days.

A funeral service to celebrate Tommy’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 1:30 pm at St. Phillip Neri Catholic Church in Fort Mill, South Carolina, where family and friends are invited to gather and remember the love and laughter he brought into their lives. He lived a life abundant with love, faith, and service, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the hearts of his family and friends.