Thomas "Tommy" Ronald Mangham

Thomas “Tommy” Ronald Mangham, 77, of Opelika, Ala., passed away September 24, 2025 at East Alabama Medical Center.

Born on December 26, 1947, Tommy was raised in Auburn, Ala. and graduated from Auburn University in 1978. He had a stellar, 46-year career with the Opelika Police Department, beginning as an officer in 1967. In 1991, he was named police chief, where he led until his retirement in 2013.

In his retirement, Tommy enjoyed being a part of and serving at First Baptist Church of Opelika. He participated in Dr. Ron Hillyer’s Sunday School class, Mr. Chico Grider’s Bible Study, and especially enjoyed his time as a deacon in the church. He had a passion for working with Way 2 Serve Ministries, specifically on the organization’s “My Jerusalem” serve day projects. Tommy also loved his meeting friends for Wednesday lunches at Country’s BBQ in Auburn.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Eddie Mae Mangham of Auburn; sister Ann Sides of Tuscumbia, Ala.; sister-in-law Diane Foley of Castleberry, Ala.; brother J.W. Mangham of Auburn; brother-in-law William O. Ledbetter of Notasulga, Ala.; father-in-law Walter P. Smith of Opelika; and mother-in-law Emma L. Nix of East Brewton, Ala.          

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mickie S. Mangham; sons Jeffrey B. Mangham and Michael L. Mangham; granddaughter Kaitlin Carlisle of Beauregard, Ala.; sister Dorothy Ledbetter of Notasulga; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Larry and Lessie Smith of Opelika, Ala., aunts Dorothy Portwood of East Brewton and Mary Helen Lee of Opelika; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. CT on Monday, October 6, 2025, at First Baptist Church Opelika (301 S. 8th Street). Pastors Jeff Meyers and Cade Farris will officiate.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Way 2 Serve Ministries at P.O. Box 1665, Opelika, Ala. 36803, or online at theway2serve.org.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements.