Joe H. Thomas

Joe Haskel Thomas, 89, of Asheboro, passed away in his sleep from natural causes, surrounded by his family, at his home on Wednesday, August 11, 2021. Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00, Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Randolph Memorial Park, with Rev Dave Cash officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Randolph County Honor Guard Joe was born on April 12, 1932, in Anson County, the son of the late John Ray and Leone Watson Thomas. He was a hard working, beloved husband and father. He cherished his family and friends. They were his whole life. Joe enjoyed helping, teaching, and sharing his knowledge. He enjoyed fishing and spending time at High Rock Lake where he taught many how to water ski. He was a member of First E&R Church in Asheboro. Joe began his electrical career at the age of 17 and was the owner/operator of Thomas Electric and Signs, which he established in 1964. It still is in operations today being run by his family. He was a charter member of the Electrical Contractors Association. He also had worked at GE/Black and Decker for 21 years. Mr. Thomas served in the United States Navy during the Korean War from 1952 until 1956. He served on the USS Manchester and in Yokosuka, Japan. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brothers, William Thomas, Mac Thomas, Jack Thomas; sister, Azale Sites; daughter, Debbie; step children, Benny Fox, Michael Fox, Margold Fox; and grandchild, Kristina Jarrell. Surviving are his loving wife of 52 years, Barbara Jones Thomas of the home; children, Mevelyn Williams (Mike) of Summerville, SC, Marilynn Willis (Jim) of Supply, NC, Samuel Fox (Vicki) of North Pole, AK, Gail Allred (Larry) of Ramseur, Bob Thomas (Deborah) of Asheboro; sister-in-law, Grace Thomas, of Stanfield, NC; 13 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 13, 2021, at Ridge Funeral Home. To quote Joe Thomas, "Best part of the job - enjoyed the work and meeting people." In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Christy and Evelyn, and to the staff of Hospice of Randolph County for the care provided to Mr. Thomas.