Jerry Wayne Thomas

Dr. Jerry W. Thomas, 73, of Wingate, N.C. made his way to heaven on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Jerry was the 3rd of 4 children born to Hoyle and Blake Thomas of Marshville. He will join in heaven his parents, his two brothers, Ray and Bill, and his granddaughter Eva Karis Thomas.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Wingate Baptist Church, 109 E. Elm Street, Wingate, N.C. 28174. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 A.M. until 11:15 A.M. in the church Fellowship Hall. He will be laid to rest privately at a later date in Lakeland Memorial Park Cemetery.

Jerry is survived by his high school sweetheart, wife Ann Lowery Thomas, daughter Allison Thomas of Monroe, son Trent Thomas and his wife Kathryn of Clover S.C., grandchildren Judah, Anna, Sophia, and Lucy, and sister Denise Sikes of Peachland, N.C.

Quite the athlete, Jerry graduated from Wingate College in 1970, where he is a member of the Sports Hall of Fame, and a recipient of the Arthur Geddings, Budd E. Smith, and Male Athlete of the Year awards. After graduating from Wingate College, Jerry attended Appalachian State University. While there, he and Ann married, and both graduated in 1972. Jerry and Ann both chose education as their career, with Jerry starting as a Physical Education teacher and coach at Forest Hills High School, then Principal at Wingate Elementary School, followed by various central office jobs with Union County Public Schools. He finished his career in education by serving five years as the Superintendent of UCPS. He was often seen at the Union County Special Olympics serving as a buddy to his niece, Abbie James.

After retirement, Jerry was involved in the Education Foundation, went on numerous mission trips with his church, and loved to play golf with the boys. He and Ann traveled to almost every state in the U.S. and enjoyed spending time at the beach. His favorite pastime was being “Poppy” to his four grandchildren.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider memorials to be made to Wingate Baptist Church, 109 E. Elm Street, Wingate, N.C. 28174, Hospice of Union County, 700 W. Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC 28110, or the charity of your choice.

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112, is honored to be entrusted to care for the Thomas Family.