Earl Thomas Burgin, II, age 72 of Forest City

Earl Thomas Burgin, II, age 72 of Forest City died Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Tom was born June 2, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan but spent most of his life in Rutherford County. He was the son of the late Earl Thomas Burgin, and Mary Louise Camby Burgin.

Tom earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology, with honors from UNC-Charlotte and an M.Ed., in guidance counseling at UNC-Charlotte.

He worked in counseling, education, community service programs and as a social worker. Tom always worked in the profession of helping people.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his nephew, Melvin V. Whitener, II.

Survivors include his sister, Judith Burgin Whitener of Forest City, his niece, Crystal Walker, as well as great-nieces and a great-nephew.

Services are private for the family.

An online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com

Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.