Joseph Earl Thomas, 87, of Pittsboro, died Thursday, December 9, 2021, at the SECU Jim & Betsy Bryan UNC Hospice Home.
Earl was born in Chatham County on September 7, 1934, to the late Joseph Arthur Thomas and Mattie Emily Poe Thomas. He was also preceded in death by one brother-in-law, Marcus Clark.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Etta Brooks Thomas; three sons, Eddie Thomas and wife Jo Ann of Pittsboro, Scott Thomas and wife Donna of Pittsboro, Jeff Thomas and fiancé Sheri Haney of Greer, South Carolina; one daughter, Joette Springle and husband Jim of Pittsboro; ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Arthur Thomas Jr. and three sisters, Cornelia Clark of Apex, Boots Atkinson and husband Don of Pittsboro, and Valinda Thomas and husband James of Pittsboro.
The funeral service was held Sunday, December 12, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Emmaus Baptist Church with Pastor Steve Moore presiding. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Immediately following the committal service, the family received friends in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made in Earl’s memory to Emmaus Baptist Church Missions Fund, 2428 Silk Hope-Gum Spring Road, Pittsboro, N.C. 27312 or the SECU Jim and Betsy Bryan Hospice Home of UNC Health Care, 100 Roundtree Way, Pittsboro, N.C. 27312.
The family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to two special caregivers, Audrey Parker and Lisa Braxton.
Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com.
Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Thomas family.
