Howard Thomas

Howard Monroe Thomas, Jr., 85, of Asheboro, died Thursday, January 29, 2015 at Clapp's Convalescent Nursing Home in Asheboro. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 31, 2015, in the Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Asheboro, with Rev. Adrian Pugh officiating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park in Asheboro. Born on January 11, 1930 in Randolph County, NC, Mr. Thomas was the son of the late Howard Monroe Thomas, Sr. and Bertie Victoria Coble Langley. He was formerly the co-owner and manager of Thomas Brothers Country Ham for 53 years. During his time at Thomas Brothers Ham they sponsored a NASCAR Late Model car. Mr. Thomas served in the US Army during the Korean War. In addition to his parents, Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, Clara Pearman Thomas, and his brother, Homer Franklin Thomas. Surviving are his daughter, Brenda Phillips and husband, Robert, of Asheboro; son, Don M. Thomas of Asheboro; sisters, Gaynelle Yow, Louise Routh, both of Liberty; brothers, H. Dean Millikan, Jim Millikan, Charles "Bud" Thomas, all of Asheboro; stepbrother, Ronnie Kirkman, of Liberty; and grandchild, Travis Thomas Phillips. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, Saturday, January 31, 2015 at Ridge Funeral Home in Asheboro. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Randolph, P.O. Box 9, Asheboro, NC 27204.