John Edward Thomas, Sr., 79 of Charlotte, departed this life on Saturday, February 5, 2022.  He was born in Anson County on May 10, 1942, to the late John Roy and Anna Broadway Thomas. Educated in West Ansonville public School, and after high school, he was employed at Southern Precision Spring in Charlotte, NC until he retired.

He was a committed family man who sometimes worked several side jobs to provide for his household.  He worked hard, rarely complained and didn't believe in handouts.  He loved hosting family events where he bonded with kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews whom he adored.

John confessed to Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Chappell Memorial Baptist Church in Charlotte where he served as Choir Member, Trustee and Security for over 40 years.

In his pastime he enjoyed fishing, golf, family reunions, travel, auto mechanics, CB radios and joking around.   John had a way of making everyone feel special.  It was not uncommon for him to maintain contact with family, extended family, church family, friends and CB buddies for decades.  He was a community leader and advocate who served as a board member orchestrating community events, initiatives and outreach.  For decades he was passionately involved in the Thomas Family Reunion, an organization which spans across the US connecting generations of Thomas family and history.

John and his wife Diane Elizabeth Thomas were a loving and devoted couple who were married for 57 years.  John absolutely adored his wife whom he cared for and cherished.  When John retired, the company owner asked, "What do you want for your retirement John?".  He could have picked anything he wanted, but gave that choice to Diane, and so they got a new refrigerator. Their relationship was a true example of agape love.  They still held hands, danced, laughed and were inseparable until the end.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Roy Thomas, mother Anna Broadway Thomas and brothers, Charles Thomas Sr., Eddie Thomas, James Ray Thomas and Jack Thomas.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Diane Elizabeth Thomas, two sons, John Edward Thomas Jr. and Alvin Eugene Thomas (Vonquitra).  He has eight grandchildren; and three great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.