Ronald (Ron) Thomas returned Home on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, surrounded by his daughters and the caring nurses of the Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House.
Ron was born February 25, 1935, at his homeplace in Salisbury, North Carolina. His parents Reuben and Carrie Kester Thomas, raised Ron and his brothers and sisters in the Trading Ford community: Montise, Norman Sr. (Geneva), Eloise (Loy) Eller, Gaynelle (A.B.) Leonard, Cleo (Sue), Leo (Edith), Mildred (Herman) Beaver, Milton (Doris), Rachel, Kathryn (Frank) Sebastian, Ralph, and LaVerne (Bob) Mull. He was the youngest child, and his parents and siblings all preceded him in death.
Ron married JoAnn Wilson Thomas on August 18, 1963. They had two girls: Melissa (Mark) Shue and Jenny Thomas. The true loves of his life were their grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Garrett (Linh) Bean, Anna, Caroline, and Graham Shue, and great-grandson Owen Shrewsbury. JoAnn preceded him death on April 20, 2021, and he was heartbroken.
Ron retired from Hoechst Celanese. He and his dad raised black Angus cows as a hobby. He was an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church, Spencer, his entire life. Ron loved seeing friends and catching up on the latest news. His favorite meeting places were Hendrix BBQ in Spencer, and Marlow’s in Salisbury.
Ron realized he was blessed to marry into the Wilson family: Herbert and Peggy Wilson, Mary Ellen and Ralph Weddington, Bob and Peggy Wilson, and Bill and Toby Wilson, along with his nieces and nephews. Ron enjoyed watching all of his nieces and nephews on both sides of his family grow up.
Visitation: The family will greet friends 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Monday, October 4, at Calvary Lutheran Church, Spencer, in the sanctuary. Please follow all Covid protocols.
Celebration of Life Service: Service will begin at 1 p.m. Entombment will follow at Rowan Memorial Park Chapel in the Pines Mausoleum with military honors provided by The Lyerly Volunteer Joint Services Honor Guard.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 23, Spencer, NC 28159 or The Terrie Hess House, 130 Woodson Street, Salisbury, NC 28144.
The family is so appreciative of the people who took excellent care of Dad during his final days: Venita, Cassandra, Betty, Linda, Michael, Tracy, Karen, and Deja, as well as Megan and Kelli with Hospice. Thank you for making Dad's final wish to stay at home possible.
Lyerly Funeral Home is serving the Thomas family. Online condolences may be made at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com.
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