Earl Thomas Waggoner, of Oxford, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 78.

A lifelong resident of Calhoun County, Mr. Waggoner was a graduate of Oxford High School and served in the United States Army for two years. He was a shift supervisor at the Anniston Army Depot for 35 years before his retirement in 2003.

Mr. Waggoner was best known for his long and committed service to the City of Oxford. He served on the Planning Commission for 22 years, from 1984 until 2006. He was known for his strong and consistently held opinions regarding setback requirements for both residential and commercial properties. Friends recall that he often carried a tape measure in his truck in case he needed to verify a setback on his way to the grocery store.

He was a member of the Oxford First Baptist Church, where he served as an usher for over four decades.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Ann Waggoner; a son, Thomas Waggoner, of Anniston; a daughter, Susan Waggoner Phillips, of Lincoln; and four grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Gray Brown-Service Mortuary and Crematory. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at the mortuary chapel, with burial to follow at Forestlawn Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Oxford Public Library.