Mr. Thomas Joseph Orr
Editorial Department • Published 15 Nov 2012 09:30
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A much loved husband, father and grandfather, Thomas Orr, fondly known as Tommie, passed away peacefully at his home, on 17th October, aged 81 years.
He was born on 10th May 1931 at Cornamuckla, Brookeborough, the second son of Tommy and Lily Orr and brother to John. He was educated at Colebrooke and Brookeborough schools and for a time at the Model School, Enniskillen. He started work in John Elliott & Sons, General Merchants, Brookeborough in 1946, before moving to JJ Coalter's merchants in Letterbreen in 1949. From there, he moved to the Scotch Store in Enniskillen in 1952 until its closure in 1968. He then worked for 23 years at the Sir Richard Arkwright factory in Lisnaskea, from where he took early retirement. He also did part-time farming and over the years worked with cattle, hens, turkeys and pigs. Having given up work, he kept the books in the family straw business to a very high standard. Up to a short time before his death, he still liked being about the yard, keeping it swept and chatting to costumers.
On 6th November 1956 he married Florrie Sheridan, and they moved to their present home also at Cornamuckla, where they lived for almost 56 years. Their first born Thomas's sudden passing as a baby in 1958 came as a sad loss. They were then blessed with the arrivals of Myrtle, Raymond and Ronnie. Tommie was delighted when the family grew larger, joined by son-in-law Ivan and daughters-in-law Myrtle and Sharon, and in time his six grandchildren: Melanie, Ross, Alan, Lyndsay, Andrew and Suzanne.
Tommie was at the very centre of his family, loving and being loved by each member in their own way - something that could be seen in the last days of his life as the whole family rallied round. They spoke of his modest nature, his sense of humour and quiet wisdom. He had serious heart problems in 2000 and the family are grateful for the privilege of enjoying 12 more years with him.
Tommie was well respected in the community, playing his part in the life of the local area. He played the bass drum in Brookeborough Flute Band for 18 years, enjoying the music, and was a member of Brookeborough LOL 736 for over 50 years.
He had a quiet but sure Christian faith, instilled in him by his mother's prayers and example, attending services in the Brooke Memorial Hall, Brookeborough and Aghavea Parish Church, singing hymns and hearing God's word taught. He loved to watch Songs of Praise on Sunday evenings. He always appreciated having the Bible read to him, and being prayed with and for, drawing strength and comfort as his illness progressed.
The funeral service was held in Aghavea Parish Church conducted by the Rev. Gary McMurray. The first reading was delivered by his daughter, Myrtle. The hymns were "What a friend we have in Jesus", "The Lord's My Shepherd" and "Safe in the Arms of Jesus". The organist was Mrs. Myrtle Graydon. Burial was in Colebrooke graveyard.
He was predeceased by his parents, brother John and son Thomas. He will be sadly missed by his family and by all who knew him.
The funeral arrangements were by funeral directors S.R. Elliott and Sons, Darling Street, Enniskillen.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 15 Nov 12
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