Former Smithfield Town Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Jasper Victor “Vic” Ogburn passed away Tuesday at the age of 74.
Born on New Year’s Day in 1944, he was the son of the late Jasper Victor and Bunnah Jones Ogburn. He was predeceased by sister Nan Ogburn Cullman, brother-in-law Tommy Medlin, and his wife of 34 years, Anne Sanderson Ogburn.
Vic was a graduate of Smithfield High School and served in the 3rd Infantry Division of the United States Army, both as a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and at the White House.
He served on the Smithfield Town Council for 20 years and also as mayor pro tem. He was a businessman, entrepreneur, and a friend to many.
“It was a distinct pleasure to serve for many years on the Council with Vic,” said current Smithfield Mayor Andy Moore. “If a citizen had a town concern, Vic may not have always voiced it in a public meeting, but he would work tirelessly behind the scenes in order to assist with meeting the needs of the citizen. He was a fine public servant, who served the Town of Smithfield as a local business owner, Council member and Mayor Pro-Tem for 20 years. Councilman Ogburn was one of the nicest individuals that I have ever met, and his Southern Gentleman charm will be missed by many.”
Local attorney and Smithfield Town Councilman Emery Ashley said, “Vic was a long term resident and servant of Smithfield. He loved our town and all the people in it. He had great respect for our Town, our heritage, and our citizens. He served us well. I enjoyed serving on the Council with him and consider it to have been a privilege. I am saddened to hear of his passing and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. As Vic would say of others who passed and I paraphrase, ‘Smithfield has lost a good one.'”
Smithfield Town Manager Michael Scott was the police chief when Mr. Ogburn served on the town board. “I had the pleasure of being hired as the Police Chief of Smithfield while Vic Ogburn was the mayor Pro-Tem. I worked with him as I was the police chief as he finished out that term and served a subsequent term as Councilman for District 3. I always appreciated his openness and frankness regarding issues that were close to his heart. He had a desire to grow Smithfield and continually secure its infrastructure and improve its services so Smithfield could have the bright future we witness today. Much of the economic growth and pending residential growth are the result of decisions made while Councilman Ogburn was in office. My and my wife’s prayers go out to him and his family, as well as our thanks for his service to Smithfield.”
After growing up and raising his children in Smithfield, Mr. Ogburn retired to Morehead City where he enjoyed gardening and an active social life. Vic was an avid historian and prolific archivist and collector. He had a passion for antiques, Williamsburg, and his dog, Coco.
He is survived by his daughter, Boo Ogburn Carver and husband Jeff, of Clayton; his son, Jasper Victor Ogburn, III and wife Blair, of Charlotte, his granddaughter, Olivia Mary Ogburn of Charlotte; and step-grandsons, Cameron Carver of Camp Lejeune, NC and Clay Carver of Fort Bliss, TX . He is also survived by his sisters, LuLong Medlin of Smithfield and Raleigh, and Gail Flynt (Tommy) of Greensboro, and his brother-in-law, Hugh Cullman of Fearrington Village.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 26 at 5:00 pm at the home of his beloved lifelong best friends, Billy and Clara Wellons at 216 North Second Street, Smithfield. Funeral services will be conducted at First Baptist Church in Smithfield on Friday, July 27th at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Red Barn Rescue (redbarnrescue.org) or to the Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina, 4809 Hargrove Road #123, Raleigh, NC 27616.
