Ray Thomas

James Ray Thomas, 95, of Rockingham, completed his earthly journey on Sunday, May 23, 2021.

Mr. Thomas was born July 13, 1925 in Montgomery County, a son of the late William Franklin and Gertrude Morris Thomas. He had proudly served his country in the US Army during World War II. He was a member, past deacon, Sunday School teacher and choir member of Pine Grove Baptist Church.  

Mr. Thomas was a jack of all trades and loved fixing things. While working with CSX Railroad, he was also a service technician for Bobby’s Furniture and Bowles Furniture. He and his wife Emma were avid campers, having camped in every US state, except Hawaii (he was waiting for them to build a bridge).  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Emma Chavis Thomas in 2007, his son, James Randall Thomas in 1995 and his son-in-law William H. “Bill” Scott in 2020. Also preceding him were his siblings, Robert, Benson, Wyman and Bill Thomas, Katherine Thomas and Frances Thomas Hinson.

Surviving are his daughter, Gwen Thomas Scott; grandsons, Rayme Dale Mudd and wife Julia, William Hicks Scott, Jr and wife Leslie, and their children, Mary Marlowe Scott, Emily Raylin Scott and William Hicks Scott, III.

Funeral services will be at 11 am Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at Pine Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Carl Moree and Rev. Sonny Diggs officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Richmond County Memorial Park.

The family will greet friends from 9:45 – 10:45 am Wednesday at the church and at other times at Rayme and Julia’s home.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to his caregiver, Kay Paul Setzer and to the staff of Richmond County Hospice Haven.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pine Grove Baptist Church , 275 Airport Road, Rockingham, NC 28379 or to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 US Hwy 1 N, Rockingham, NC 28379.