James Oliver Thomas

Mr. James Oliver Thomas, 78, of Mount Airy, passed away Friday, May 14, 2010, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem. He was born July 7, 1931, in Surry County, to the late Rufus Garland and Allie Marshall Thomas. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during World War II. After finishing high school, he joined the United Navy serving during the Korean War. He retired as a postal clerk with the United States Post Office in Mount Airy and and was a member of Fancy Gap Baptist Church. Mr. Thomas was a member of the VFW Post 2019 and the Memorial Honor Guard of Mount Airy, having served as president and chaplain. In 2001, he was awarded the North Carolina Distinguished Service Award by the Disabled Veterans of America. After retirement, Mr. Thomas enjoyed spending time with his family, playing golf, and getting together with his breakfast buddies at Brenda's Kountry Kitchen. Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Estelle Wilson Thomas of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jamie Thomas Cobbler and James Irwin Cobbler, Jr. of Winston-Salem and Jennifer Thomas Lefevre and Gerald James Lefevre of Mount Airy; three grandchildren, Erin Leigh Cobbler of Durham, Nathan Thomas Cobbler of Winston-Salem, and Caleb James Lefevre of Mount Airy; a sister, Margaret Dollyhigh of Dobson; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by four sisters, Arlene Beasley, Mary Smith, Clara Ayers, and Doris Lovill. The funeral service will be held Sunday, May 16, 2010, at 2:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with the Rev. Dwight Sechrist and the Rev. Wes Mosteller officiating. Burial will follow in the Midkiff Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.