PITTSBORO — Residents across Chatham County mourned the loss of Gene Oldham, the founder of iconic S&T’s Soda Shoppe in Pittsboro, through an outpouring of love and support via social media this past weekend.
Oldham, 68, was a staple in the community, operating the soda shop for more than 23 years as an homage to early-1900s Pittsboro.
S&T’s announced Oldham’s death last Friday on its Facebook page, which received hundreds of responses from people offering their condolences, remembering his life and telling stories about unforgettable interactions with him.
“S&T was a haven for me during my chemo a few years back,” wrote Stacey Donelan. “He and Vicky don’t merely serve up ice cream; they serve up friendliness and hope and happiness and nostalgia and comfort.”
Through these comments, sentimental wishes and anecdotes, it’s clear that S&T’s Soda Shoppe is more than just a place to grab a banana split on a summer day. It’s a slice of Pittsboro history, one that embodies the term “small-town USA.” And by all accounts, that was part of Oldham’s goal.
Oldham purchased the building at 85 Hillsboro Street in June 1996 with a desire to recreate the old soda shop that was housed there in the early 20th century. After the sale was final, he and a few associates went to work sourcing furniture from an old drugstore in Mebane, refurbishing it and using it to create an atmosphere rich with history.
He named the soda shop after his two sons, Steve and T.J., and his vision came to fruition as S&T opened its doors to customers for the first time in October 1997.
“It is the Oldham Family’s hope that this will continue to be a place one can come to enjoy a shake and a smile, reminisce about the past and make memories for the future,” a statement on S&T’s website read.
Oldham undoubtedly left a mark on the community he cared so deeply for, providing a space for people to gather while being treated like family, all while relishing in the unique, locally famous menu.
As for the soda shop itself, S&T’s will be closing for the remainder of the year with the hope that it will reopen on Jan. 5 “to keep his dream alive,” according to its Facebook post.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory Griffin Chapel in Pittsboro. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday at Rock Spring Baptist Church with Rev. Ray Gooch and Rev. Bob Wachs presiding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the Oldham family requests that all memorial contributions be made in Oldham’s memory to UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, UNC Health Foundation, Attn: UNC Lineberger, P.O. Box 1050, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27514.