Black Mountain Remembers Tom Sobol: A Life Dedicated to Service
Residents of Black Mountain are coming together to honor the life of a beloved local leader, Tom Sobol, who passed away on September 4 at the age of 81. Known affectionately as “Tom,” he was a lifelong member of the community and had a significant influence on local governance and community projects throughout his career.
A Journey Through Public Service
Born as Chester Thomas Sobol, Jr. on November 5, 1942, Tom began his journey in local government in 1968 when he joined the Black Mountain Board of Aldermen. He dedicated nearly a decade to that role, serving with diligence until 1977, when he made the leap into the mayor’s office. His tenure as mayor continued until 1984, marking a significant chapter in the town’s history.
In 1984, Tom was elected to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, where his leadership and commitment to the community shone brightly. He served as chair of the commission from 1996 to 2000, overseeing crucial decisions that impacted the lives of many residents.
Legacy of Compassion
Michael Sobol, Tom’s younger brother and current mayor of Black Mountain, shared heartfelt memories of his brother. He emphasized the importance of compassion in Tom’s life, stating, “I want him to be remembered as a man that cared for the people.” This caring nature was exemplified in Tom’s role in founding Project Access, a program established in 1996 to provide vital medical care for low-income, uninsured residents in Buncombe and Madison counties. Each year, Project Access serves over 2,500 individuals, thanks in part to Tom’s passion for ensuring everyone had access to health care.
Michael recalls that the inspiration for Project Access came after Tom witnessed the struggles of family friends without access to medical care, which ignited his commitment to help those in need.
Bringing 911 Services to Buncombe County
Another significant milestone during Tom’s career was the establishment of the county’s emergency services system. Michael reflected on the challenges Tom faced while advocating for this project. Despite receiving considerable pushback regarding its costs, Tom persevered, ultimately ensuring that 911 services became a reality for Buncombe County. Michael noted, “When you think about how many thousands of people have benefited from this, that’s a nice legacy to have.”
Pioneering Vision
Tom also played a pivotal role in the push for countywide zoning. Although this initiative met with some resistance during his tenure on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, it eventually gained acceptance and is now a fundamental aspect of county planning.
Contributions Beyond Politics
Throughout his lifetime, Tom Sobol made a name for himself not just in politics, but in various community organizations. He served as chair of the North Carolina State Personnel Commission for a decade, spent over 18 years on the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County Board, and was the chair of Asheville-Buncombe Crime Stoppers. His contributions to the Black Mountain Savings Bank Board spanned from 1999 until his retirement in 2022.
In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Jim Hunt in 2000, a prestigious honor acknowledging his significant contributions to the state.
A Family Man
Family was equally important to Tom. He and his wife, Beverly Bird Sobol, shared a loving partnership until Beverly’s passing last year. Tom is remembered by his only surviving son, Chester Thomas “Chip” Sobol III, along with his brothers, sister, grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Beyond his political work, Tom was an entrepreneur, founding Sobol House of Furnishings in 1970 and operating Valley Realty and Construction. He also served as a certified residential appraiser before retiring in 2022.
A Celebration of Life
As the community of Black Mountain grapples with the loss of this remarkable man, a service to celebrate Tom Sobol’s life is planned for September 20 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Swannanoa, starting at 1 p.m. Following the service, a burial will take place at Mountain View Memorial Park.
Tom Sobol leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and love for his community that will not be forgotten. His dedication to improving the lives of those around him truly defines what it means to be a public servant.
