Thomas O'Quinn

Thomas Edison O’Quinn, 97, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025. He was born on July 16, 1928, to the late Thomas and Blanche Bowen O’Quinn.

A graduate of Lillington High School, Tom entered the United States Navy shortly after graduation, where he developed the engineering skills that would shape the rest of his life. Following his service, he worked for Dillon Supply Company and Carolina Crane Company for many decades. At the age of 50, with determination and vision, he started his own business—Tom O’Quinn Rigging Service—which became a great success.

Tom was as generous as he was hardworking. Known for his big heart and community spirit, he often hosted pig pickings at his home and at his beloved church, bringing together friends, neighbors, and those in need. He was a longtime and devoted member of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh, where he faithfully served in many roles over the years.

Tom was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was married to Ruth O’Quinn, the mother of his two children, for over 50 years until her passing in 2009. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and devotion.

He had a passion for travel and enjoyed discovering new places. In his later years, he especially cherished traveling with his best friend, Nathan Ray. Tom also loved gardening, and his yard was always filled with thriving fruit trees, vegetables, and flowers—an outward reflection of the care he poured into every part of his life.

Grateful, kind, and generous to the end, Tom lived his life in service to others and with deep appreciation for the blessings he received.

Tom is survived by his wife of 15 years, Polly O’Quinn; daughter, Judi Cartrette and her husband, Eddie; son, Ron O’Quinn and his wife, Pat; grandchildren, Brandon O’Quinn and his wife, Kim, Susan Brugler and her husband, Tom, Shannon Cartrette and his wife, Monica, and Stacie Foley and her husband, Mike; great-grandchildren, Anna Curran and her husband, Noah, Luciana Cartrette, Chloe Foley, and Cayley Foley; and great-great-grandchild Malcom Curran.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Jeremy Bass and his sister, Julia Mae Holston.

A funeral service will be held Friday, August 1, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 1201 Maxwell Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the church, starting at 9:00 am. Entombment will follow the funeral service at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Flowers are appreciated and memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 1201 Maxwell Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Online condolences may be made at Bryan-Leefuneralhome.com