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Richard Thomas Obituary
November 29, 1928 - February 18, 2024
Cary, North Carolina - Richard Joseph Thomas, of Cary, NC, died on February 18, 2024 at the age of 95. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 804 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27513 on February 23, 2024. Prior to the funeral service, a Visitation will be held from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Mass will begin at 11:00 AM, after which internment will occur at the on-site Columbarium. Lunch will be served following the internment.
Richard was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA. son of the late William and Imelda Thomas. Preceding him in death was his wife of 66 years, Margaret, and brothers, William and John. Surviving him are his daughters, Mary Lou, her husband, Michael Weller of Ahoskie, NC, and Barbara, her husband, Wayne Clayton, of Zebulon, NC, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Richard earned his Bachelor's Degree at the Pennsylvania State University, his Master's Degree at North Carolina State University and Doctorate at Duke University. In 1957, after a short stint working in the private sector, he joined the faculty at North Carolina State University. His long career there included teaching of graduate and undergraduate courses as well as work in both applied and basic research. He was appointed Head of the Department of Wood and Paper Science in 1978 and held this position until his retirement in 1994. His involvement with Professional Societies led to his serving as President of the Society of Wood Science and Technology (1981) and the Forest Products Society (1985). In 1963 he was awarded a National Science Foundation Science Faculty Fellowship for study at Duke University. Also, Richard was active in the Community and his Church, serving on and leading numerous Committees.
His Military service included two tours, (1946-1948. 1952-1954), with the United States Marine Corps.
Close to the end of his life, he was asked - How have these 95 years been? He answered - Wonderful. Great Wife! Great Family! Great Life!
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Searstone Endowment. Mail any contribution to the Business Office, Searstone Retirement Community, 17001 Searstone Drive, Cary, NC 27513.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Thomas
Sponsored by Wake Funeral & Cremations Services, Inc..
2 Entries
JoAnn Jenkins
February 26, 2024
I remember having the privilege to meet Dr. Thomas and was absolutely impressed with his love of music and how he kept his mind busy with reading and listening to his music
George Kriz
February 22, 2024
Mary Lou and Barbara: My condolences on the death of your Father. I have many happy memories of all the breakfasts after Mass, the dances at the Faculty Club, riding back and forth to work and just visiting with your Dad. I did not realize that he was eight years older than me.
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Wake Funeral & Cremations Services, Inc.600 Gathering Park Circle, Ste 101, Cary, NC 27519
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