A native of Wendell, he was the son of the late Benjamin Jasper and Juanita Todd Thomas. He was the founder and owner of The Thomas Agency from 1969 until his retirement in 1990. He served the insurance industry throughout his professional career including a term as president of the N.C. Independent Insurance Agents Association. He was also an active member of Wendell Christian Church, where he served in a variety of capacities including trustee, deacon, elder emeritus and Sunday school teacher.

Surviviors include his wife, Margaret; three daughters, Margaret Stauffer and husband David of Davidson, Lucy Kindsvatter and husband Fritz of Raleigh and Susan Shearin and husband Stuart of Wendell; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Friday at Wendell Christian Church. Burial followed in Greenmount Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wendell Christian Church Living Endowment Fund, 427 Mattox St., Wendell, NC, 27591 or to the charity of your choice.

Strickland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.