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BORN
1939
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
Garfield Thomas Obituary
GREENVILLE - SGM (Ret) Garfield Thomas, 79, of Greenville, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2019 at the Vidant Medical Center.
The family will be receiving friends on Monday, November 18, 2019 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Rivers-Morgan Funeral Home and Cremations of Greenville, Inc., 190 Plaza Dr., Greenville.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary of Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church, 1095 Allen Rd., Greenville. The interment with full military honors and Committal rites will be held at 2:00 PM at the Sandhills Veteran Cemetery, 8220 Bragg Blvd., Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.
Garfield was born in Calhoun Falls, South Carolina on November 22, 1939 to the late Samuel Thomas and Relee Dubose Thomas. He was preceded in death by one brother, Samuel Thomas, Jr. and one sister, Alberta McGerrin Dunn.
Garfield is survived by: his wife, Carrie Kelly Thomas of the home; two sons, Brian Garfield Thomas of Durham and Jason E. Thomas (Akesha) of Raleigh; two Grandchildren, Davison Reed Thomas and Makenzie Rae Thomas both of Raleigh; four brothers, David Thomas (Debra) of Calhoun Falls, SC, Joshua Thomas (Roxanne) of Elgin, SC, Jimmy Thomas (Dwaine) of Columbia, SC and Bruce Thomas (Charlene) of Lithonia, Georgia; seven sisters, Mary (Betty) T. Randolph of Decatur, Georgia, Evelyn T. Bounds (Donald) of Calhoun Falls, SC, Ruth T. Tolbert (Dewitt) of Lexington, MS, Pearl T. Lewis of Grovetown, GA, Willa T. Boddie of Ellenwood, GA, Carol A. Thomas of Conyers, GA and Linda Thomas of Columbia, SC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and the American Diabetes Association in his honor.
A special "thank you" to the Pallative Cancer Unit and MICU at Vidant Medical Center for your kindness and the outstanding care Garfield received from each of you.
Professional Services entrusted to Rivers-Morgan Funeral Home and Cremations of Greenville, Inc., Greenville.
As published in The Daily Reflector
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Memories and Condolences
for Garfield Thomas
Russell Bottom
February 5, 2025
I first met SGM, he was my partner in a computer class in 1987. I was a PFC from COSCOM.. Turns out he was my best friend's NCOIC in 5th group. I spent a lot of time in that office talking with the two of them. He was always giving me advice and encouragement. And he was one of the few SGMs you could joke with. I still remember the stuffed Garfield the Cat holding the coffee mug in his office. I had always hoped to see him again, but I waited too long. I will see him in the next world. RIP SGM.
CSM (Ret) Harold Hunt
November 20, 2019
Once again God saw SGM Garfield Thomas getting tired and a cure was not to be so He put His arms around you and whispered come to me. You remind us, Lord, through Solomon that to everything there is a season. We thank You for the earthly life You gave to this sergeant major and for the blessing during the sojourn here on the earth. We most especially thank You for the new life You granted this sergeant major in Jesus Christ. He broke the bonds of death by His resurrection. We rejoice at the hope of being reunited with him in the resurrection of all flesh. The NCO Corps thanks him for his selfless service act and his willingness to defend of America and all that we hold sacred. I believe for every fallen sergeant major like him there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift God has given the Corps. Rest easy, sleep well my brother. Know the line was held, your job is done. Rest easy, sleep well. Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held. Peace, peace, and farewell
CSM (Ret) Harold Hunt Sr.
USASMA Class 16
Author, 100 Sergeants Major of Color
SGM (Ret) Harold L. Hunt Jr.
USASMA Class 55
CSM (Ret) Shirley A. Hunt
USASMA Class 53
& the entire Hunt family
Yolanda McArthur
November 18, 2019
My condolences to the Thomas Family. Mr. T was like a dad to me. He treated me like his daughter and I will ALWAYS be grateful for that. Mrs. Thomas, Brian and Jason I love you guys and thank you for sharing your dad with me.
Deborah Hodges
November 18, 2019
Garfield was our neighbor for about 23 years and my family and I enjoyed every minute of it! He was one of the kindest people I have ever known, would listen to my tales, and always give me a smile and a little laugh. He always went above and beyond as a neighbor! People would come to our home, and loved to peep over the fence into his beautiful yard that he took so much care of. We moved in the neighborhood when my youngest child was four. Garrett admired "Mr. Garfield" and is now stationed overseas because of his admiration for Mr. Garfield and other military heroes who inspired him to serve his country. Rest in peace, Garfield, we will miss you!
Avis Williams
November 18, 2019
Our condolences go to you Carrie, Brian and Jason as you go through these times. Garfield was a true and beloved friend and brother to my late parents, Irving and Floree. Our prayers are with you. Avis Williams and family
Jim Parker CJ
November 17, 2019
To Garfield my long time solider and comrade. We were stationed together for over 30 years in the US and Vietnam. RIP
Leslie Parker thompson
November 17, 2019
To a great family man and soldier. I have known you all my life and you will be missed.
Robert Speakman
November 15, 2019
RIP, Brother. Condolences & prayers go out to the family. From a former a Paratrooper 82d Airborne Division
Garfield Thomas an American Patriot - SALUTE
Ronald Owens
November 14, 2019
Jack Frost
November 14, 2019
One helluva Special Forces, Ranger, Airborne Soldier. One of the truly quiet professionals. I'm proud to have served with Garfield in peacetime and wartime and to be able to call him my friend. Rest in peace my brother the drop zone is secure..
Gloria Schwartz
November 14, 2019
He will be missed, we so enjoyed his stories in our writing class. Rest in peace.
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Funeral services provided by:
Rivers-Morgan Funeral Home, Inc. - New Bern701 West Street, New Bern, NC 28560
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