Harold Thomas, a 25 year veteran of local law enforcement who also served one term as Lee County’s elected sheriff from 1978 to 1982, died Thursday, according to an online obituary at the website of Rogers-Pickard Funeral Home in Sanford.
A funeral service is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Center United Methodist Church. He will be buried in the church’s cemetery.
Read the full obituary below:
Harold R. Thomas, 75, of Sanford passed away Thursday July 16, 2015. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday at Center United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. Mr. Thomas was born in Lee County, a son of the late Paul S Thomas Sr and Katie Wicker Thomas. He was preceded in death by his son, Harold Ray Thomas Jr, brothers, Willie Mack Thomas, Paul Thomas Jr, and Jimmy Frank Thomas. Mr. Thomas was involved in Law Enforcement for 25 years and was Sheriff of Lee County from 1978 until 1982. Harold was a 32nd degree Mason, a Shriner and a lifelong member of Center United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities. He was a great husband, Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife, Jerline L. Thomas; daughters, JoAnn Cheek and husband Stacey of Broadway, Wendy Smith and husband Grant of Wendell, and Jennifer Thomas of Maxton; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends following the service in the Church Fellowship Hall. Memorial contributions can be made to Center United Methodist Church, 4141 S Plank Rd, Sanford, NC 27330; or to FirstHealth Hospice Foundation, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374.