Thomas Millard Critcher

Mr. Thomas “Tommy” Millard Critcher, age 93, of Boone, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Trellis Supportive Care in Winston-Salem.

Born April 23, 1933, in Watauga County, Tommy was the son of the late Fredrick Rudolph Critcher and Lillie Mae Hartley Critcher. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Roberta “Robbie” Norris Critcher.

Tommy lived a long and meaningful life rooted in faith, family, hard work, service, and love of country. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who treasured his family and the time he spent with them.

A lifelong resident of the High Country, Tommy was a cattle and produce farmer and worked alongside his brothers in the family business, Critcher Brothers Produce. Farming was more than an occupation for Tommy; it was a way of life that reflected the values of hard work, perseverance, and family that he carried throughout his 93 years.

Tommy proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War era and was stationed in Alaska. His patriotism remained an important part of his life. He loved his country and was a lifelong, proud Republican who faithfully supported and served his local Republican Party.

His faith was at the center of his life. Tommy was a lifelong member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, where he served as head usher. He dearly loved his church and was always ready to invite others to attend, encouraging anyone and everyone he could to visit Mt. Vernon. His commitment to his community also included service on the board of the Watauga County Fire Department.

While Tommy will be remembered for his faithfulness and dedication, those who knew him best will also remember his wonderful sense of humor.

Tommy was a jokester who delighted in kidding—and occasionally trying to scare—his grandchildren. Often, you could hear him coming before you saw him, whistling a happy tune as he went about his day. And if he wasn’t whistling, there was a good chance he was singing a familiar jingle or an old familiar hymn.

He also knew his way around a horseshoe pit. Those who knew Tommy understood one thing very quickly: challenging him to a game of horseshoes was probably not a good idea. He was, quite simply, one of the best anywhere around.

Tommy leaves his family with countless memories, many smiles, and a legacy built upon faith in God, devotion to family, service to country and community, and the value of an honest day’s work.

In addition to his wife and parents, Tommy was preceded in death by his son, Donald Critcher; son-in-law, Rex Hampton; three sisters, Selma Hollar, Mary Cook, and Joanne Wellborn; and six brothers, Bill, Carl, Jerry, Ray, Sammy, and Don Critcher.

He is survived by two daughters, Charlotte Hampton of Boone and Calista Rutherford and husband, Patrick, of Thomasville; one son, Thomas Lynn Critcher and wife, Dina, of Boone; and daughter-in-law, Beth Critcher of Boone.

He is also survived by his brother, Dwight Critcher of Deep Gap; two sisters, Faye Castor of Cary and Margaret Cook and husband, Roger, of Boone; and brother-in-law, Dudley Norris and wife, Judy, of Bethel.

Tommy is further survived by his grandchildren, Justin Critcher of Boone, Dale Clontz of Lenoir; Luke Critcher of Weaverville; Adam Madson and wife, Brittany, of Wasilla, Alaska; Haley Shields and husband, Trevor, of Winston-Salem; Wilson Critcher and fiancée, Lily, of Boone; Lillie Grace Critcher of Boone; and Callie Critcher of Boone.

He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren: Kya, Kian, Danny, Molly, Maverick, Maggie, Mac, Calista, Tennyson, Roland, and Alaric.

Funeral services for Mr. Thomas “Tommy” Millard Critcher will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, with the Reverend Bud Russell, Reverend Don Holder, and Reverend Phillip King officiating.

Pallbearers: Dale Clontz, Justin Critcher, Luke Critcher, Adam Madson, Wilson Critcher, Chad Higgins, Travis Critcher, Trevor Shields, J.T Thomas, Dustin Kerley.  

Honorary Pallbearers: Dwight Critcher, Bill Mcgalliard, James Coffey, Joe Hodge, Bruce Cook.

Burial will follow in the Critcher Cemetery with military honors.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 3505 Bamboo Road, Boone.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to the Hartley Family Cemetery Fund, c/o Thomas Critcher, 603 Hartley Knob Road, Boone, NC 28607.

Online condolences may be sent to the Critcher family through the Hampton Funeral Service website.

Hampton Funeral Service of Boone is honored to be serving the Critcher family.