Thomas Olin Yeager

Thomas Olin Yeager, affectionately known as “Tommy” , was born on June 19th, 1948 in Durham, NC. He entered into eternal life on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 in Chapel Hill, NC surrounded by his daughter Emily, his sister Kathy, his three grandchildren and close family members, at the age of 77.

A devoted father, grandfather and brother, Tommy enjoyed spending time with his grand and great grandchildren, listening to his amateur radio, watching NASCAR races and UNC college basketball. With his quick wittiness and sense of humor, he touched everyone that ever encountered him and holds a special place in many people’s hearts. Tommy welcomed everyone into his home and to this day it has remained a safe place for all that have come to visit. To know him was to truly love him.

Though Tommy’s life began in Durham, NC where he was born, he was raised in and continued to live in Chapel Hill, NC for the entirety of his life. He attended Chapel Hill High School where he would then graduate in 1966 and move on to attend Campbell College, now known as Campbell University. Tommy was unable to complete his college education as he entered into The U.S. Army to serve in the Vietnam War in 1969. During his service, Tommy quickly moved up in the ranks as an Army Sergeant. He served in the Army until 1970 where he was critically injured and lost one of his legs at the tender age of 21. Tommy was then retired as a disabled veteran and was awarded a Purple Heart, which is considered a “Badge of Military Merit”. Upon returning home from his service, Tommy moved on to explore many different career paths, one including owning a bar on Franklin St. in Chapel Hill. Soon after, Tommy decided to settle down and devote his life to being a father which would later evolve into not only a father, but a grand and great grandfather as well. He was dedicated to providing the best life that he could to his family, which he truly adored.

Tommy was preceded in life by his father Olin R. Yeager, his mother Mamie L. Yeager (Harward) and his older sister Carol Thompson (Yeager). He is survived by his youngest sister Kathleen Yeager, his two daughters, Emily Yeager, age 45 (Terry Haynes) and Dallas Thompson, age 41, his three grandchildren all of Emily and Terry, Tania Nealis, age 28, Elijah Haynes, age 25 and Christopher Haynes, age 23, two great grandchildren, Cristiano (Tania), age 4 and Arielle (Elijah), age 2, as well as a host of close family friends that loved him dearly.

In Tommy’s final days he was surrounded by and cared for by his daughter Emily, her three children and his two little sidekicks, “Nino” and “Ari”. In his younger years, he lived a full and eventful life while always showering those around him with his unwavering support and never ending, unconditional love. He was the backbone to our family and our personal superhero.

Tommy’s life will be remembered as one that encouraged you to live on the edge and to truly never give up. He defeated so many odds and subsequently instilled that same perseverance and drive into all of us that loved him. Nothing was impossible in Tommy’s world. He will be deeply missed earthside, though his spirit and energy will be carried through his children, grand and great grandchildren forever. We will remain #TOYSTRONG 💜