In Loving and Lasting Memory of Mr. Deforest Ogburn, Sr. "De"

VIEWING: Wednesday, January 27, 2021 Time: 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM

PRIVATE SERVICE AT A LATER DATE

Obituary For Deforest Ogburn Sr.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want

Deforest Ogburn Sr., the oldest son of six siblings, born to the late Floyd Ogburn, Sr. and the late Zelma H. Ogburn, better known to his family and friends as “De”, was born on July 13, 1944 in Mecklenburg County and went peacefully to his eternal home on January 24, 2021 at VCU-Community Memorial Hospital in South Hill, VA. De accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized, and became a member of the Gethsemane Baptist Church in South Hill, VA. He renewed his spiritual commitment and was again baptized at the Crystal Cathedral in Dillwyn, VA in 2019. He became an active member of the Amity Baptist Church of South Hill, VA, where he served passionately as a choir member. Deforest loved music. His gift was singing and his song was, “I Won’t Let Nobody Steal My Joy.” He sang for many years starting at a very young age. In high school he competed vocally and was well known for his singing abilities. He always dreamed of becoming a member of The Temptations. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and friends. Deforest, a graduate of Mecklenburg County Public Schools, was a true “soldier” at heart. Serving his country with excellency and pride, he was a veteran of the Vietnam Era, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant. De was awarded numerous awards for his dedication and service. He was a well-traveled man touring a variety of countries until deciding to leave the service of the United States Army to be with his family. He was employed at Mecklenburg Correctional Center in Boydton, VA and Lunenburg Correctional Center in Victoria, VA for nineteen years and again received numerous commendations for being an esteemed correctional officer until retirement. Preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ogburn, De leaves to cherish his precious memories, his wife, Dorothy of 48 years, who will forever hold their years together as a treasure and a gift from God, his son, Deforest Ogburn Jr. of South Hill, VA, daughters, Nikkia O. Goodman (Joii) of Dillwyn, VA, Sherry O. Becker and Cheryl O. Bates (Dwayne) of Prospect, VA; five granddaughters, Iyanna, Naomi, Kaylen, Eden, Madison, and Gabrielle (expected arrival February 2021); five grandsons, Joshua, Jeremiah, Charlie Jr., Christopher, and Langston, the greatest joys of his life; two sisters, Mildred A. Bussey of N. Augusta, GA and Laurette O. Graham of South Hill, VA; two brothers, Dr. Floyd Ogburn Jr. (Trevia) of Cary, NC, and Reverend Cornelius Ogburn (LaFreda) of South Hill, VA; a sister-in-law, Bertha Bagley of Durham, NC, and brother-in-law, John R. Bagley of South Hill; VA, aunts, uncle, cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends and acquaintances. Deforest will be greatly missed, but God’s loving gift of grace and tender mercy did and always will prevail. To God be the glory.