ROCKINGHAM — Wayne Wilson Thomas, 89, of Rockingham, passed Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Richmond Co. Hospice Haven surrounded by his loving children and close friend.
He was born April 6, 1934, in Union County to the late Jackson Hoyle and Vivian Juanita Lowery Thomas.
Mr. Thomas graduated from King’s Business College and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Wayne worked as Clerk for CSX Railroad until his retirement after 40 years. He was an active member of Mount Olive Baptist Church for 35 years serving His Lord in many capacities. He enjoyed working in his beautiful yard and vegetable garden providing fruits of his labor to family and friends. He was on a bowling team for 30-plus years and was an avid basketball fan supporting his favorite team, the Charlotte Hornets.
He was married for 60 years and preceded in death by his wife, Vernelle Thomas, in 2014.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Mount Olive Baptist Church with the Rev. Delane Burris and the Rev. Phillip Boyce officiating.
Surviving are his children, Terry Boyce and husband Jim of Matthews, Tim Thomas and Lisa Dean of Cullowhee, and Susan Durrette and husband Leland of Concord; grandchildren, Becky Boyce, Phillip Boyce, Tiffany Delledonne and husband Tony, Adrian Thomas and wife Leanne, Daniel Durrette and wife Kameron and Andrew Durrette; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Larry Thomas and sisters, Marceil Mangum and Debra Stewart.
The family will receive friends Saturday from 12:30-1:45 p.m. in the multiple purpose building at Mount Olive Baptist Church prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to Richmond Co. Hospice (1119 US Hwy. 1 S Rockingham, NC 28379); or Mount Olive Baptist Church (596 E. Washington St. Ext. Rockingham, NC 28379).
Online condolences may be made to watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Thomas family.
