Clyde Wilson Thomas, 84, son of Flake William and Margaret Wilson Thomas, of Mt. Bethel Road, Harmony, NC, passed away on Wednesday, December 12, 2018.
Clyde grew up on the farm along side his dad, working in the fields and learned a lot about farming and farm life. He graduated from Harmony High School in 1952 and maintained great relationships with his school mates all his life.
Clyde moved to Newport News, VA where he learned early on about the ceramic tile business and became well known for his craftmanship. When Clyde returned to his home in Harmony, he continued his craft and was well known for his work in the Statesville and Iredell County as well as North Carolina and surrounding states.
Clyde was married to Jean Spies from Hampton, Va. They had two children, Gail Thomas (Fox) Byrd and William “Billy” John Thomas who grew up in Harmony and graduated from North Iredell High School. Much loved by Clyde was Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church which he joined at an early age. He kept a firm commitment to that church as long as he lived.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, and two children, William “Billy” John Thomas and Gail Thomas Fox Byrd.
Clyde is survived by his two beloved grandsons who were very close to him, James Patrick Fox of Charleston, SC and Jason Adam Fox of Asheville, NC. Also surviving are two great grandchildren, Lillian Grace Fox and Riley Adam Fox; two sisters, Alice Thomas Fortner of Troutman, NC and Ann Thomas Lingle of Statesville. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews who all helped to care for him in his last days.
Clyde had a lifelong friend, James “Jimmy” Cartner of Harmony. They remained friends from early childhood, playing cowboys and Indians, attending church, first dates, getting married, having children, farming, and visiting each other. Also, Brenda Huff who was a special helpful friend.
Funeral services will be conducted 2:30 pm Sunday, December 16, 2018 at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church with Rev. Lynn Lepley, Don Farris and grandson, Jason Fox officiating. He will be laid to rest in the church cemetery with his parents, son, and daughter. Active pallbearers will be Brad Lackey, Kenneth Cartner, Bobby Cartner, Lance Lingle, Ed Hedrick, and Garrett Church. The family will visit with friends in the church following the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625. Online condolences may be made to the family at
www.nicholsonfunerals.com
and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.
Donations may be made to:
Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County2347 Simonton Road, Statesville NC 28625