Jerry Ervin Thomas

Jerry Ervin Thomas

21 March 1937-- 15 March 2023

Jerry Thomas, 85, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 15. He was the son of the late Paul Thomas and Gladys Davis Thomas and was preceded in death by his sister Joyce Baker and older brother Glen. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elsie Lee Thomas, their two daughters Teri Thomas Marsh and husband Doug; Teresa Thomas Hall and husband Grant; three grandchildren, Ivory Lee Marsh, Davis Brightmon Marsh, his fiancé Shelby Gilmer and Tucker Thomas Hall. One brother Maurice Thomas, his wife, Pamela, and his sister Sarah Elizabeth (Libby) Nash.

Jerry was born with a generous, loving spirit and a source of laughter with his mischievous nature. As a teenager, he developed a love for stock car racing as he watched Junior Johnson go around the dirt track at the short-lived Pageland Speedway and saw racing grow into a national sport. He was a decisive Chevy fan who barely tolerated Fords but jeered when Toyota invaded the racing world. He loved his cars and trucks and spent hours rebuilding old Chevys. He learned from his father the skills of a master carpenter, which he used to provide for his family. He was an excellent gardener who loved sharing his bounty with friends and relatives. He found peace and happiness in tilling the earth, fishing in the pond he built beside his home, and decorating the gazebo at Christmas for the enjoyment of his neighbors.

He delighted in opportunities to bring magic to the childhood of his two daughters. Whether it was Ho-Ho-Ho’s outside their windows on Christmas Eve or tales about the creatures that lived in the woods. There was always a twinkle in his eye and a story to be told. In his later years, he entertained his grandchildren with his antics. He encouraged family and neighbors to join him on his gazebo for tall tales and a summer breeze, all while feeding loaf bread to the fish.

The joy and love of his life was his wife Elsie, whom he married in 1957 in Chesterfield County. He built her a house, and they turned it into a loving home with two daughters. He and Elsie were blessed with three grandchildren and watched with pride as they grew into mature young adults.

A remembrance service will be held 3:00 PM Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Smyrna Methodist Church 5019 Medlin Road, Monroe, NC 28112 with burial to follow at Lakeland Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors prior to the service from 2:00 PM until 2:45 PM.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory is caring for the Thomas Family.