Ralph Leon Thomas

WINSTON-SALEM -Mr. Ralph Leon Thomas, 86, of Winston-Salem passed away Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012 at the Oaks at Forsyth.
Mr. Thomas was born in Guilford County on May 5, 1926 to Wesley Layton and Sadie May Thomas. He was a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church since 1965 where he was on the Board of Trustees and helped with the Boy Scouts. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. He retired from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco with over 20 years of service. Mr. Thomas enjoyed fishing, hunting, and working in his garden where he loved to share the fruits of his labor with his family and friends. He loved his beach home, also known as Ralph's House, which he helped build.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Nancy Thomas; a son, William Ralph Thomas and wife Cynthia of Raleigh; a daughter, Lisa Thomas Hooks and husband Butch of Winston-Salem; four grandchildren, Thomas Hooks and wife Bre, Cory Hooks and wife Heather, all of Winston-Salem, and Wesley and Grace Thomas, both of Raleigh; a great-grandchild, Kali Hooks; two sisters, Rachel Cook and Nellie Riddle and husband Roy, all of Graham; and a brother, Joe Thomas and wife Evelyn.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Elmer, Garland, and Willard Thomas
A memorial service will be conducted 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012 at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. Brett Cogan and the Rev. G. Thomas Shelton officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorials may be made to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1210 Bolton Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.
The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at the Oaks at Forsyth for the loving care they provided to Ralph.
Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com. (Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel).