Philip Roy Thomas

1957 - 2022

Philip Roy Thomas
November 24, 1957 - March 21, 2022
Charlotte, North Carolina - Philip Roy Thomas, 64, of Charlotte, North Carolina, left this world on March 21, 2022, but will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He passed away unexpectedly in Houston, Texas, at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center following complications from a stem cell transplant.
A Carolina boy through and through, Philip was born November 24, 1957 in Charlotte and earned a business degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Philip was a multi-generational Charlottean. A highly respected member of the Charlotte business community, Philip Thomas Construction is known as one of the premier custom home builders in the Carolinas. A four-decade reputation for one of the most diverse portfolios of architect-driven residential designs in the region further solidified his prolific career. Humble and never one to seek out attention, though his homes have been featured in magazines such as Southern Accents, House Beaµtiful, Southern Living, Coastal Living, and various architectural books and publications, Philip never rested on his laurels or was boastful in his multitude of accomplishments.
Beyond being a lifelong student of architecture and design, Philip was a true intellect with a voracious appetite for learning and passionately pursued a diversity of interests. He was a talented photographer, keen gardener, an accomplished pilot, a daring skier, and avid boater/kayaker.
While Philip took great pride in creating beautiful, functional, distinctive living spaces, his greatest source of pride was the two great loves of his life–his wife Joan, his best friend and true love for more than 38 years, and their pride and joy, daughter Allie, complemented this tight-knit trio. Later, when Allie married Adam, one only had to see the joy on his face when he and Joan hosted the couple's Tuscan wedding, to witness that love and devotion. Over 80 friends and family members joined the Thomas family to experience that unforgettable week in Italy in September of 2019.
Friends have always loved seeing Philip and Joan dancing to Carolina beach music. Their beach home could be silent aside from the sound of the ocean, or filled with the laughter of friends and family visiting, but it was always a place Philip was truly relaxed and completely in his element as the family enjoyed their happy place. If Philip couldn't be found working in Charlotte, enjoying the Carolina coast, or traveling the world as he loved to do with his family and friends, he was thinking of, or researching their next trip.
Philip was highly regarded for his integrity and honesty in business and in his personal relationships. It is a widely known fact that Philip was highly curious and he followed his interests with an elegant tenacity. He possessed a sense of humor that could take the shape of a wry smile, keen observation, or witty retort, and possessed a single-mindedness that undoubtedly paved the way for his unique and creative vision. His love of architecture and design was surely born out of their relationship to places that held special meaning or in memories that resonated with him. This inspired his attention to detail, further underscoring the respect he had for his craft–for his ability to realize an artist's vision with capable hands, a sharp and independent mind, and a fair and kind soul. We will remember these qualities and the deep love he had for his family and carry these memories with us always.
Philip was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Maxine Thomas and his brother Steve Thomas.
Philip is survived by his wife, Joan Harpootlian Thomas and daughter, Kathryn Allie Thomas (Adam Fulk), his brother, Alan Thomas (Ann) brothers-in law Richard Harpootlian (Jamie) and William Harpootlian (Penny); nieces Kate Harpootlian, Beth Harpootlian and Nephew Jon (Christy); cousin Nikki Meldrum (Frank) and his beloved Boxer, Bear Thomas.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 in the sanctuary at Covenant Presbyterian Church and will be live-streamed at www.covenantpresby.org/live. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to habitat Charlotte Region, the Humane Society of Charlotte or the charity of your choice.
Donations to Humane Society of Charlotte can be sent by check to : 2700 Toomey Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203 Or online: https://humanesocietyofcharlotte.org/give/in-honormemory-of/
Donations to habitat Charlotte Region can be sent by check to: PO Box 220287, Charlotte, NC 28222 Or made online at: https://www.habitatcltregion.org/