MICHAEL WILLIAMS "MIKE" THOMAS

BANNER ELK — Michael "Mike" Williams Thomas, 58, passed away early Saturday morning, March 2, 2013 at Life Care Center of Banner Elk NC. Born and raised in Greensboro, NC he was the son of the late James Franklin Thomas and Frances Rudd Thomas. Mike was a graduate of Walter Hines Page High School, class of 1972 and North Carolina State University, class of 1977. Mike bled NC State Red.

Mike never met a stranger, a reason he was a successful salesman throughout his life. Such a personality also revealed itself during countless hours of shag dancing to bands such as the Chairmen of the Board, The Band of Oz and The Temptations. Though great was his love for sports, beach music and sales, nothing compared to his love for his family. For over eight years Mike served as the primary caretaker for his parents; he provided care in the way only a son could. Beyond all he loved his children, the supreme blessing of his life, who he lived for every day.

Mike is survived by his four children: Cristin Dinneen Thomas, of Asheville NC; Michael Williams Thomas II, of Raleigh NC; Claire McGrath Thomas, of Raleigh NC; Katherine Wyndham Thomas, of Greensboro NC; and their mother, Mary Claire Seawell Thomas, of Greensboro NC. Mike is also survived by his brother, James Rogers Thomas, of Charleston SC; his sister-in-law, Emily James Thomas, of Charleston SC; his two nephews John Rogers Thomas, of Jacksonville FL ; William Christopher Thomas of Brooklyn NY and many, many cousins and extended family who loved him deeply.

The Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday,March 9, 2013 at Lee's Chapel United Methodist Church with Reverend Carol Williams-Gilbert officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Hospice of Avery County 351 West Mitchell Street Newland, NC 28657 and to the National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center, Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, 2085 Adelbert Rd., Rm. 418, Cleveland Ohio, 44106 in care of Michael W. Thomas. Salem Funeral Home in Winston-Salem is assisting the family; online condolences may be made through www.salemfh.com/