John Nelson (Jr.) Ogburn

Asheboro- John “Jack” Nelson Ogburn, Jr, 90, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2023 at his home. Born November 26, 1932 in Guilford County, he was the son of the late John Nelson Ogburn, Sr. and Jean Funk Ogburn. 

Jack was a life-long Tar Heel, earning his juris doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1957. He entered military service in 1957 and retired from the US Army Reserve on October 27, 1977. As an attorney Jack represented clients at every level of the North Carolina Court System as well as at the Federal District Court level and before the Fourth Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals. At a local level he helped incorporate many businesses and local landmarks such as the Randolph Asheboro YMCA, Randolph Community College (originally Randolph Technical Institute), Pinewood Country Club, and the Asheboro High School Blue Comets Booster Club. 

On February 18, 1961 Jack married the former Edith Walker Junkins in Laurens, SC. Jack and Edie shared 51 joyful years together until her death in 2012. Jack and Edie were lifelong members of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Asheboro where Jack served in many capacities including Senior Warden. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1992 and served at Good Shepherd as well as St. Andrew’s in Haw River for more than 30 years. In addition to the many parishioners Jack served during those years, he had the honor of performing the marriage ceremonies of his daughter, Anne, and granddaughter, Mary, and baptizing all three of his grandchildren. He was also a faithful and loving chaplain at Randolph Hospital for many years.

Jack is survived by son, John Nelson Ogburn, III and wife Martha of Asheboro; son, Timothy Martin Ogburn and wife Amanda of Anderson, Indiana; daughter, Anne Walker Ogburn Ladd and husband Michael of Huntersville, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Mary Walker Ogburn Hillery and husband Ryan of Huntington, New York; Claire Elizabeth Ogburn of Brooklyn, New York; and Davis Walker Ladd of Huntersville, North Carolina; sister-in-law, Jane Martin Childs and husband Ted of Clarkesville, Georgia; sister-in-law, Charlene Martin of Sandy Run, South Carolina; sister-in-law, Kay Chandler Ogburn of Mooresville, North Carolina; and six nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Rev. R. Lynn Ogburn.

A service of remembrance will be held at a later date at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd with Father Joe Mitchell officiating. Memorials may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 505 Mountain Road, Asheboro, NC 27205. Midstate Cremation and Funeral Service is honored to serve the Ogburn family.

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