It is with deep regret and great sorrow that we announce the passing of Tom Tevepaugh, 37, of Cleveland, N.C., on Sunday, August 18, 2024.

Tom was born in Charlotte, N.C., to Mark and Jan Tevepaugh. He graduated from West Rowan High School and NC State’s Agricultural Institute with degrees in Agricultural Business and Ornamentals and Landscaping.

As a young boy, Tom traveled abroad and locally, exploring many countries in Europe and U.S. National Parks, where he found his love for the outdoors. Tom was an avid outdoorsman, starting at age 6 as Davidson Park and Recreation’s 1993 annual Easter egg hunt champion. The call of the hunt continued into many deer, dove, and duck seasons later in life, an activity he shared with his close friends. Tom loved farming with his beloved chocolate labs, Little Man and River, routinely taking them for rides in the cab tractors as he farmed. His labs loved this activity so much they regularly demanded additional rides on his ATVs and trucks around the pastures.

As a farmer, Tom excelled at hay production. He was a skilled heavy equipment operator and amateur mechanic. Tom loved a good project and never shied away from getting his hands dirty. He was always willing to help a friend no matter how great the task was and found solutions in even the most challenging situations. He was a talented artist, loved making his friends and family laugh, and was very generous in life and death. He loved watching the sun set over his farm’s rolling landscapes and the moon and stars shining above.

Tom was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Bob Davis; maternal grandmother, Betty Jo Davis; paternal grandfather, B.C. Tevepaugh; and his dog, Little Man.

In addition to his parents, Jan and Mark Tevepaugh, he is survived by his partner, Sarah Gaither, and her daughter (whom Tom affectionately called Opsicle); sister, Beth Lally and husband Ryan; beloved maternal grandmother, Loyce Davis; paternal grandmother, Frances Tevepaugh; aunt and uncle, Faye and Martin Davis; great aunt, Joyce Hight; and his cherished dog, River.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 1, at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home Chapel in Mooresville with Rev. Robert Alexander presiding. The family will receive family and friends following the service in the Heritage House of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the education fund for the daughter of his partner. Contributions can be made payable to Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 10500 Beatties Ford Road, Huntersville, NC 28078. Please note ”Tevepaugh Fund” in the memo line.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Tevepaugh family. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.cavin-cook.com.