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  • Thomas Oglesby, who died Wednesday, is pictured in a chair presented to him recently by the students and co-workers at Athens Middle School. Oglesby taught in Athens since 1990. Courtesy photo

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February 2, 2012

Beloved teacher Oglesby dies suddenly

Rich Flowers The Athens Review

ATHENS — An Athens Middle School teacher who died Wednesday from a recent illness cared about his craft, and the 8th graders he taught.

Thomas Oglesby, 64, taught in the Athens Independent School District for more than 20 years.  He specialized in language arts, and even did a little coaching on the side.

Pam Summerall was in the same department as Oglesby for many of those years.

“He was enjoyable to work with,” Summerall said. “He was funny, caring and compassionate. He loved the students, and really knew his content.”

Oglesby encouraged his students to write well, and saw them do well at contests. Summerall said while reading the student’s submissions, Oglesby was quick to pick up on clues in the stories that might indicate the child might be having a problem.

“He talked to them to make sure they were OK,” Summerall said. “If not, he was quick to let a counselor know.”

Oglesby didn’t teach from an ivory tower. Often he would reveal things about his own life experiences to the students, if he thought it would be helpful.

“He was not afraid to tell the students about things he’d been through, whether it was good times or hard times,” Summerall said.

 In recent months Oglesby began to lose weight, and show signs of bad health.  The co-workers and students were aware, but few were expecting the news  Thursday, that Oglesby had passed away at his residence.

“We let the kids know today,” Summerall said. “They’re having a tough time with it. We counseled them all day long.”

Oglesby was honored in 2010 as Teacher of the Month. At the time of his death, he had been chosen to receive the honor for February, 2012.

Summerall said students and teachers demonstrated their affection for Oglesby recently by donating money to buy a recliner.  Co-workers delivered it to his home.

He loved sitting in it, Summerall said, but didn’t plan on being in it all the time.

“The other night he told me, ‘I’m going to get back to feeling good and I’m coming back. I’m not ready to quit teaching yet,’” Summerall said.

Memorial services for Thomas Oglesby, Jr., 63, Athens are scheduled for 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4,  at the Athens Middle School Gymnasium with Brenden May officiating. The family will receive friends 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday at the Carroll-Lehr funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701-6623

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