Mr. Billy Reid Thomas

Born to the late William Joseph Thomas and Irma Crisp Thomas on May 15, 1937, Mr. Billy Reid Thomas transitioned from this life on January 27, 2023, after a period of illness.

Mr. Thomas was a graduate of Olive Hill High School. He served in the United States Air Force for four years. He retired from Broyhill Furniture Company after nearly three decades. He attended Mount Herman, New Bethel, and Tablerock Baptist churches throughout his lifetime.

Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by his sisters Lucille Lawrence and Betty Carlos, and stepdaughter, Brenda Stitt.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Thomas; sons, Darius D. Thomas and Montague “Monty” M. Thomas (Ledra Scott); brother Eddie Thomas; stepdaughters, Pamela DeGraffenreid (the late Alphonso DeGraffenreid); stepson, Napoleon Douglas (Betty); son-in-law, William Stitt (late Brenda Stitt) and bonus daughter, Marialyne “Maria” Redfern Thomas.

Mr. Thomas’ legacy continues with the extension of his grandchildren, Latashá Hemphill; Mariah Thomas, Asia Thomas, Jade Thomas, Kason Kincaid (Vanity), Kourtney Graham, Sabion Thomas, Skylin Thomas and Emmoni Suddreth; eleven great-grandchildren, Justice Kincaid, Marjee Kincaid, Liberty Kincaid, Niomi Kincaid, Omari Kincaid, Quaymar Kincaid, Anna Kainessie, Jordyn Graham, Ashley Graham, Maurice “MJ” Streater, and Jai’Lyx Scott.

Also, Jaquay Williams, William Stitt II, Erik Stitt (Kim), DeAnna Douglas, TaLesha Douglas, Brandon Douglas, Cetera DeGraffenreid, Al DeGraffenreid; eight great-grandchildren, Briana Stitt, NaLiya Stitt, Alina Stitt, Joshua Williams, Israel Hoke, Ella Stitt, Erik Timothy “EJ” Stitt, and Arionn Douglas; two great-great grandchildren, Kaiden Stitt and Elise Watkins.

Mr. Thomas also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

The family will receive friends from noon until 1pm, Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Table Rock Baptist Church, 1867, Harmon Street, Morganton, NC 28655. The funeral will be held in the church at 1pm. Burial will follow at Mt. Hermon AME Church Cemetery, 3737 Mount Hermon Road, Glen Alpine, NC 28628. Military honors provided by the US Air Force.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Cancer Society.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Granddaddy, the first love of my life…

You’ve shown me love

You’ve taught me kindness

You’ve taught me patience

& you’ve shown me guidance

To know you

is to know honesty, trust, & respect;

To know you

is to know loyalty, strength, & intellect;

To know you

is really to know A good example of a man

To know you

is to know a man who loves, cares and protects

As best as one can

To know you is to know a pure soul,

with a good spirit

To know you

is to know a light-filled presence

and LOVE that knows no limit.

-Jade Olivia Thomas, granddaughter

Affectionately known as “Jade’O”