John DeWitt Thomas

LAURINBURG — John DeWitt Thomas, age 88 of Laurinburg passed away Sept. 26, 2014.

John was born in Tampa, Florida on March 28, 1926, son of the late John and Linnie Thomas. He was a World War II Veteran who proudly served with the United States Army Air Force. He was the owner and operator of One Hour Cleaners that has been serving Scotland County for 41 years. He was a longtime faithful member of Saint Luke United Methodist Church where he was an active Youth Leader and worked with the Food Bank. He participated on the first Sandhills Emmaus Walk and has continued to be a supporter of Emmaus Community.

He is on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Dry Cleaners Association, a member of National Institute of Dry Cleaners and a volunteer with Hospice of Scotland County. John was an avid golfer and loved sharing his time with family, friends and church family.

Preceding him in death are brothers C. Leroy Thomas, Raymond Thomas, Paul Franklin Thomas and Nonzie McGuire Thomas and sisters Carmel Williams and Nellie Irene Lowman.

John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mrs. Esther Smith Thomas of the home; daughters Sheryl Ann Osborn and husband Bob of California and Teresa "Terri" T. Lemmond and husband Paul of Laurinburg; sisters, Lois Coates and husband Richard of Valrico, Florida and Alice Hedrick of Trout, Lousiana; grandchildren, Angela Monte, Jonathan Lemmond and great-granddaughter, Shyanne.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30 at the Saint Luke United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall. A private interment will be held at a later date.

Memorial gifts are requested to be made to Hospice of Scotland County, P.O. Box 1033, Laurinburg, NC 28353 or Saint Luke United Methodist Church, 1501 Turnpike Road, Laurinburg, NC 28352.

Services entrusted to Richard Boles Funeral Service.