Thomas William Ochs

Thomas William Ochs, 65, of Hitchcock, Texas, formerly of Albemarle, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on January 22, 2026. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care in Albemarle. Burial will follow in Stanly Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends prior to the service. Born on September 14, 1960, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Thomas was the son of the late William Ochs and Jo Ellen Ochs (née Odenweller). Affectionately known as Tom, he was a man who showed care through action, creativity, and ingenuity. Like many lives, his journey was marked by complexity, yet he is remembered for the ways he showed up—sometimes unexpectedly—and for the tangible good he brought into the lives of those around him. Tom had a gift for creating unforgettable moments. From filling a bedroom wall-to-wall with hand-inflated balloons to surprising his son with a first car on his sixteenth birthday, he delighted in giving joy in ways that were thoughtful, personal, and memorable. Technically minded and highly capable, Tom was often the person others turned to when something needed to be fixed, built, or figured out. He took pride in solving problems and found deep satisfaction in turning ideas into reality. In the last decade of his life, Tom developed a strong faith and became actively involved in a church community in Texas. There, he shared his talents and creativity, including assembling immersive movie experiences that brought people together. In both business and personal life, he valued fairness and honesty, and when treated in good faith, he would go to great lengths to make things right. Tom is lovingly survived by his children: Jonathan Ochs and wife Rachel, Jennifer Ochs, and Chris Ochs. He was a proud grandfather to Shane Ochs, Lilly Ochs, Leigh Anne Mercado, and Destiny Brayboy, each of whom held a special place in his heart. He is also survived by his siblings: Kathy Davis and husband Doug, Janet Roberts, and Phil Ochs and wife Julie. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by those who went before him and helped shape the man he became. Though not without flaws, Tom leaves behind a legacy of generosity, craftsmanship, perseverance, and effort. The moments he created, the problems he solved, and the care he expressed through action will continue to be remembered and appreciated by those who knew and loved him.

Thomas William Ochs

September 14, 1960 - January 22, 2026