JOHN WILLARD THOMAS, JR After a short illness, John Willard Thomas, Jr., resident of Rocky Point, NC, and formerly of High Point, NC, died Thursday evening, October 26, 2017. Mr. Thomas was born in 1927 and was the older son of the late J. Willard and Mavis Burchette Thomas. He was predeceased by his wife, Tommie Munford; his brother, Perley A. 'Pat' Thomas; his sons, Chris (Teresa) and Stuart (Andrea); and his granddaughter, Emma. He is survived by his wife, Judith; his sons, John, III (Beth), Mat, and Bruce (Cindy) as well as thirteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren along with Judy's children, Stan (Sharon), Bryan (Terry), Sara, and Jason (Angie) who together have seven children that John also considered as grandchildren. After high school, Mr. Thomas entered the U. S. Navy and was in training to be an aircraft mechanic when WWII ended. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 1949 with a B. S., Manufacturing Engineering degree. John's life revolved around his beloved family, leadership, and service. He began his career at Thomas Built Buses in High Point, NC as an engineer and then moved into sales as a regional sales manager, and was subsequently selected to lead the company's sales effort. When he was promoted to President and later to CEO/Chairman, he continued the company's growth to become the largest US manufacturer of school buses. He retired from daily duties at the company in 1992. Mr. Thomas held a considerable number of leadership positions both locally and nationally. He served both Forest Hills Presbyterian Church (High Point) and First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington as an elder. He very much loved and was committed to Boy Scouts, both locally and nationally, serving as a council president (Uwharrie) as well as on BSA's national executive board. It was on the national level that he headed up Scouting's High Adventure Camps and International Jamboree committees. He served as National Commissioner, Scouting's highest ranking volunteer. He received Scouting's highest service award, the Silver Buffalo. However, his greatest pride was knowing he was father and grandfather to eleven Eagle Scouts. He loved the outdoors and became involved in training and competing with his retriever dogs, again, locally and then, nationally. He was recognized for his success in and dedication to the sport by being elected to its Hall of Fame in Grand Junction, TN. Mr. Thomas became a board member and then president of the NC Coastal Land Trust, a further expression of his love of the outdoors and natural spaces. He will be missed by his family and many friends. A celebration of his life ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington will be held on Wednesday, November 1st at 2 p.m. Visitation with the family will be immediately after the service in the church's Gilmore Room. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be directed to: First Presbyterian Church, 125 South 3rd St., Wilmington, NC 28401; Cape Fear Council - BSA, P.O. Box 7156, Wilmington, NC 28406; or North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, 131 Racine Dr - Suite 202, Wilmington, NC 28403, and would be very much appreciated. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the guestbook link in his name at www.andrewsmortuary.com.

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Published by Wilmington Star-News on Oct. 29, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN THOMAS

38 Entries

Gail Gurley

August 28, 2020

For some unknown reason, John crossed my mind today and I went online to search for him. I had heard he died but did not know exactly when. Ed and I moved to Salisbury from High Point in 2012 and I lost contact with many of the people we knew there who also knew John. Life does that sometimes. We lost our beloved daughter Denise in 2019 and moved to Tennessee to be near our grandson Charlie and his wife. We miss her so very much. John had no idea how much of an influence he was on Ed and me as we worked for Thomas Built Buses. I was a single mom in those days and his compassion made him realize how difficult it must be for me. He gave me a prayer book entitled "I've Got to Talk to Somebody, God" by Marjorie Holmes. The book gave me much comfort and I carried it when Ed and I were married in 1971. I recently picked it up again and re-read it, noticing sentences I underlined that gave me comfort in those dark days. They have likewise comforted me in the dark days since our daughter died. Heaven received a very special angel the day that Mr. John Thomas died. Of course, he isn't dead. He's more alive than he ever was here so I'm certain his light shines bright there, as does our wonderful daughter's light. Rest in peace, John. You were loved and are remembered and missed.

Leann Davis

October 24, 2019

I was and still am John>s house keeper at the farm house >>I miss my friend John Thomas and the smile he always had for me and his kind words...I loved him and his wife Judy Thomas and I always will..I think about him often and his sweet smile...Leann Davis

Colon Grandy, Jr.

December 22, 2017

I'll never forget that in the summer of '71 when I was 17 years old he arranged for me to deliver a bus to New Hampshire. I drove one and Matt drove the other. Quite an experience for a 17 year old that had never been anywhere. He was really a gentleman.

Bob Jones

November 8, 2017

John was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever had the opportunity to know and work with. Always kind, always positive, he had a passion and zest for and in life that was both rare and infectious. He was interesting and joyful--fun to be around--and always moving forward. Like all of you, I will miss him, but am blessed and happy simply to have known him for so long. He made my life better. May we all be so lucky to know many like John.

November 5, 2017

Dear Johnny,Bruce and Matt I,m so sorry to hear the news of your Dad's passing.
Both Bob and I thought very Highly of him. He was always available to help solve the problems that occurred in running a Dealership for Thomas Built Buses. I know that I have met you boys
over the 50 years we have been Dealers
and you will probably remember me.
I'm truly sorry. As you know Bob passed away five years ago and he too is sorely missed every day.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family Justine Matthews

Ron Moore

November 3, 2017

Dear Johnny, Matt, Bruce and the Thomas family:
I was deeply saddened when I learned the news of your Father's passing.I am very honored to have had the privilege of working for your Dad and Thomas Built Buses, Inc. for 26 years. John was a fine man, a Southern Gentleman, an astute businessman, a great leader and an outstanding citizen of High Point.I am so sorry for your loss of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you and the Thomas family.

Roger Chilton

November 2, 2017

J3, Bruce Matt. John
Was an important influence in my personal life and the most important influence in my business life. A truley unique individual with more leadership ability than anyone I have ever known. A good and great man! My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the Thomas family

Paige Ray

November 2, 2017

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the Thomas Family! I have known John (Mr. Thomas) and the entire Thomas Family for over fifty years. His friendship was both personal, church and business related with my family. His strength and integrity exuded in all he did in life! May his place in heaven give you peace!

Donald Driggers

November 1, 2017

I was very sorry to hear about John's passing. He was a good friend for over 40 years and we were involved in the Retriever sport for those 40 years. He was a Christian, he was a great family man and he loved his children and grandchildren. As an aside, I received notification today that Cane was elected to the Bird Dog Hall of Fame. I looked up to the heavens today and I let John know that his dream came true. God bless.

Cindy Zehr

November 1, 2017

We were very sorry to hear of Mr. Thomas' passing. We had great respect for him and held him in high esteem. We appreciated his integrity and approachableness. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they will be missing him.

Eunice Milton Benton

October 31, 2017

What a gift to have known John Thomas -- along with his brother Pat and the wonderful assortment of kith and kin who anchored Thomas Built Buses in the late 70s! Forty years ago, when the company, with John as President and CEO, was building a new office building, it was my pleasure to be part of the design and architecture team to make it happen. it was just plain fun to work with them -- and the building we all brought together was a fine accomplishment. Mr. John Thomas was a gentleman in every way but he had a gift with words, stories and humor that I will always remember! One line of his I have borrowed and applied to many moments in those years since, one he told in the context of sitting in a duck blind with his boy relatives on damp chilly mornings -- "Just remind me what a good time I'm having!" Thank you, Mr. John Thomas, for that line that always makes me smile -- and for you!!

John Barrington

October 31, 2017

I was honored to have worked for Mr. Thomas' company for nearly a decade. I did not know him well but I know the wonderful legacy he left the company and the industry in which he served. My condolences to the Thomas family in their time of sorrow

Mike Wood

October 31, 2017

My condolences to John's Family. I was saddened to hear he had passed. He was always kind to me & I always had confidence in his Leadership while I worked with TBB's Engineering Staff some 17 years.

Marcia Priddy

October 31, 2017

I sat next to John on a flight from Chicago to Greensboro in October, 1986. I was flying to Winston-Salem to be with my parents after my father had a heart attack and was critically ill. We talked the whole way and all these years later, I remember his immense kindness and ability to hear the emotions behind my words. I have thanked God many times for his presence on that flight. I send my tender condolences to the people who loved him.

Burke & Kathy Earley

October 31, 2017

We were saddened to hear that John had passed. His kindness and generosity were matched by few. The field trial community will miss his enthusiasm and consistent support, as well as his gleaming smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with his many family members.

Michael Amos

October 31, 2017

It's hard to know what to say. John was so loved and respected. He was a friend of our family for my entire life. Most of my memories of John were as a boy, hunting on the great father-son hunts in which my father and I were fortunate to participate with him and his boys. He was a giant in Boy Scouts, and I knew it even when I was a scout. I have always admired and respected him for it. A great man who will truly be missed. Madeline and I send our best to the entire Thomas tribe, but especially to John, Mat and Bruce and their families.

October 30, 2017

Dawanna Covington

October 30, 2017

My Condolences And Prayers To The Thomas Family.

Tom Jacobs

October 30, 2017

The wide smile with the hearty laugh were omnipresent for all to behold.John was a special friend from retriever trials and sharing his family home andprescence often He will be sorely missed and long appreciated and cherished.

Harry Owen

October 30, 2017

J3, Bruce & Mat; I was really saddened to learn of John's passing. John made my career at Thomas Built Busses possible. I respected him lot and truly hope that we became friends during my tenure at Thomas - the best years of my working life. My son Marshall, who worked in the test lab was also saddened by the news.

Ritchie Russell

October 30, 2017

So very sorry to hear of John's passing. He was an intelligent and dynamic leader with great compassion throughout his life. He will be sorely missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family members.

Phil Loflin

October 30, 2017

He made everyone around him better.

We will meet again one day.

Peace be with his incredible family....

October 30, 2017

To the family: I met John through my office (Biberstein and Nunalee). He was one of the nicest people I have met. He was always in a good mood and had a great attitude. If you were feeling down, you always felt better after meeting with him. My thoughts and prayers are forever with you. Terri Brown

Scott Gayle

October 30, 2017

Dear Johnny, Matt, Bruce and all the greater Thomas family- Having just heard from my sister-in-law, Leslie Thomas Gayle (Bruce Gayle), of your Dad's passing, I wanted to send you condolences on behalf of my mother, Mrs. Robert Gayle (Pat) in Hilton Head, a contemporary of your parents, and on behalf of the entire Gayle family in High Point and around the country. John was a fine person and an outstanding business leader and citizen of High Point. He will be greatly missed.
Sincerely,

Shelly Brown

October 30, 2017

Mr. Thomas was truly one of the kindest and most genuine souls I ever met. He will truly be missed in the Rocky Point community. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

October 29, 2017

John is a truly amazing man who has encouraged so many of us to strive for our true potential. He's a leader we can all aspire to. Thank,you so much for leading the way. I only wish I could be the person he is. Kelley Platt.

Teresa Thomas-Keever

October 29, 2017

To John, my dear Father 'n Law and a great friend of 30 wonderful years...who helped me with life as I know it today. For all the support, knowledge and love you gave me while Chris was ill for 10 years. For being there for all of us. For talking and teaching greatness to Chris and my two sons, Alex and Peyton. Most of all, for being you. You are a wonderful man and will truly be missed by all who crossed your path. I love you.

Steve Sexton

October 29, 2017

So sorry for your loss,Mr Thomas was a good man, I am so glad I got to talk to him at the 100th Thomas celebration. My prayers are with the family at this difficult time.

Teresa and Jack Peterson

October 29, 2017

So very sorry for your loss of a dear love one. And a Boss/co-worker of Thomas Built Buses. God bless your family and our prayers are with the family. Jack and Teresa Peterson and Jack and Edie Sides and Charlie F. Sides and all families of Lexington, Thomasville, Welcome, Winston-Salem, NC. And Michigan

Beth Bencini Iskander

October 29, 2017

Dear Johnny, Mat, and Bruce,

I was so sad to read of your father's death in the Enterprise today. He and Tommie were such good friends to my parents, and it meant a lot to grow up in High Point with folks like them and Pat and Jo as examples of the kind of people to aspire to be. I loved reading the article about him recent in "Our State." God bless you and your families.

My best regards,
Beth

Tim & Annette Harper

October 29, 2017

John was extraordinary man, a friend to everyone he met and came in contact with. His service to the Scouting program both locally and nationally was a true testament to his belief in the future of our country and the young people that would become the future leaders.
I feel very fortunate to have known John and considered him a friend.

Tonya Brotherton

October 29, 2017

Judith, John, Mat and Bruce we are deeply saddened at the Retriever Hall of Fame and Museum to hear this news. We will really miss seeing his smiling face in February. He has touched so many and will be missed. Our prayers are with you and your families.

Gray and Wanda Linville

October 29, 2017

Judy, so sorry for your loss. Enjoyed knowing him through Mayberry Presbyterian Church in Meadows of Dan, Va. and at community functions.

Peter and Nancy Cowen

October 29, 2017

Sending our sympathy, thoughts, and prayers to all members of the Thomas family.

Tom Ozment

October 29, 2017

So sorry for your loss. Your dad lived an extraordinary life, and will be missed and remembered by many. Kristie Hill/Tom Ozment

Leann Davis

October 29, 2017

God gained a really good man this week and I will miss him greatly...He will always be in my heart as I am blessed by God to have known him and Judy Thomas...

Charles Carter

October 28, 2017

From the day that John visited me at my church in Graham, NC, we became dear friends at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church in High Point, NC. where John was a charter member. John, his family, his parents and his brother Pat were special people in my life during my long pastorate at Forest Hills. My last conversation with John, shortly after his illness was diagnosed, was one of fond memories and a loving friendship. I will miss him and remember him always. May God bless Judy, Johnny, Mat and Bruce and their families. Janice also sends her love.

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