Shelby, North Carolina
SHELBY - Mr. Neil Charles Thomas, 57, of 405 Beaumonde Ave. Shelby, died on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at his residence.
A native of Ann Arbor, Mich, he was the son of the late Robert Harold and Irene Elizabeth Penny Thomas. Mr. Thomas served his country in the United States Army, serving in Vietnam. He also worked in the construction industry as a safety instructor.
Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife, Mary L. Thomas; two sons, Christopher Brock and his wife, Donnette, of Charlotte, and Geoffrey Thomas, also of Charlotte. He is also survived by two daughters, Courtney Arnold and husband, Juddy, of Wilming-ton, and Emily Thomas, of Shelby; a brother, Robert Harold Thomas, Jr. and his wife, Beverly, of Baltimore, MD; a sister, An-drea Jane Gruver and her husband, Brad, of Tallahassee, FL; and a granddaughter, Reese Arnold, of Wilmington, also survive him.
Visitation: The family will receive friends Monday, June 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home.
Funeral: Tuesday, June 16, at 2 p.m., in the Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial: Sunset Cemetery with military honors
Memorials: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105
Funeral home: Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home is serving the family
Online guest registry: www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com
Our memories of Neil will be cherished forever. He always made us feel very special and he was very precious to us. The miles have kept us from meeting face to face, but Neil often communicated with us by phone or e-mail. Please know that you all are in our hearts and pray that God's grace will help you find peace and ease your sorrow. All our love, Uncle Jim and Aunt Jan.
June 23, 2009
To the Thomas Family: I am very sorry for your loss. He was a good husband to Mary and father to the children. My parents and I attended your wedding and I met Mary then. I am glad to see you two were married for so long.
To Courtey and Geoffrey: I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. You will not remember me but I lived across the street from you on Tremont Drive, Winter Haven and watched you both grow up with "Max" and "Morris". Yes, I remember them too.
Roxie Henderson
June 17, 2009 | Winter Haven, FL
Mrs. Thomas and Emily,
Even though I am far away at his moment, I want to extend my condolences to you and the entire family for the loss of your husband and father.
Allow Gods WONDERFUL mercy to sustain you during this time.
Coach Larry Sipe
June 16, 2009
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this time of loss. Neil will be greatly missed by all.
Larry & Teresa Arnold
June 15, 2009
