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Chester Thomas Sobol Obituary
Black Mountain, North Carolina
November 5, 1942 - September 4, 2024
Chester Thomas "Tom" Sobol, Jr., passed away on September 4, 2024, at 81, in his home surrounded by family. Born on November 5, 1942, in Black Mountain, Tom was a proud alumnus of East Carolina University, which laid the foundation for his various endeavors and contributions to the community. Tom was a lifelong supporter of Notre Dame football.
Significant contributions to local government and community development marked Tom's career. He served as an Alderman of Black Mountain from 1968 to 1977 and Mayor of Black Mountain from 1977 to 1984. His tenure as a Buncombe County Commissioner from 1984 to 1996, including Chairman from 1996 to 2000, was distinguished by his efforts in developing local infrastructure such as libraries, swimming pools, and soccer fields. He also played a crucial role in constructing the new Owen High School in Black Mountain and enhancing the commissioners' chambers to be more welcoming to the public. He was a true friend of education, consistently advocating for quality education and ensuring adequate school funding.
Tom served on various boards, including Chairman of the North Carolina State Personnel Commission for ten years, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County Board for eighteen years, including United Way Campaign Chair in 2004, Asheville-Buncombe Crime Stoppers Chairman, and the Black Mountain Savings Bank Board from 1999 to 2022, and as Chairman from 2007 to his retirement in 2022. Tom, along with family, founded Sobol House of Furnishings in 1970. He owned Valley Realty and Construction for 30 years and was a Certified NC Residential Appraiser from 1991 until his retirement in 2022.
During his tenure as a Buncombe County Commissioner and as Chairman, Tom was recognized throughout western North Carolina for his knowledge of the inner workings of local, state, and federal government. He did not hesitate to make tough decisions to benefit his constituents. Even in his retirement from public service work, he continued as a standing member of the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Personnel Advisory Board, serving under Sheriff Van Duncan and Sheriff Quentin Miller. His outstanding service was recognized with numerous awards, notably The Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2000 by Gov. Jim Hunt.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Bird Sobol; daughters, Mary Elizabeth Michelle Sobol and Anna Christine "Christy" Sobol; son, Michael Joseph Sobol; and his parents, Mary "Dot" Lindsey Sobol and Chester Thomas "Chet" Sobol, Sr. He is survived by a son, Chester Thomas "Chip" Sobol, III (Tina); grandchildren, Anna Sobol and Will Lance; brothers, Woody Sobol (Shirley) and Michael Sobol (Carol); sister, Susan Sobol Watkins; sister-in-law, Sandy Block (Paul); and many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.
A service to celebrate Tom's life will be held at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 102 Andrews Place, Swannanoa, NC 28778, on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 1 pm. Burial will follow at Mountain View Memorial Park, 392 Tabernacle Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Diabetes Association, honoring Tom's commitment to supporting these causes. Tom's legacy will live on through his family, his community, and the meaningful contributions made in his memory.
Reprinted from Tribute Archive at Harwood Home for Funerals & Cremation