James Christopher “Chris” Thomas, 63, passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at his home on Sandy Ridge Lane in Carthage. Born in Sanford to the late: James Larry Thomas and Elizabeth Cockman.
A man whose life was marked by servitude; he served his country in the US Army from 1982-1986 and continued to serve the community as an employee of the Moore County School system for more than 15 years. He was a member of Carthage First Baptist Church.
Chris had a true fondness for the outdoors, was a supporter of conserving our natural resources, and enjoyed building things with his hands.
A man of nostalgia, he had great sentiment for the years of his childhood on the farms of his grandparents. He especially enjoyed John Wayne westerns and Humphrey Bogart movies.
Chris walked to “his own drummer”, lived his life his own way, and benefited from a world of experiences most can only dream of. Chris spoke his mind and never shied away from adversity. If you were lucky enough to find yourself in his good graces, you would experience true loyalty and love only matched by a mother and the Creator.
Chris held many titles: Athlete, Biker, Soldier, Builder, Friend, Mentor, Ally, Chef and Husband. His two favorite titles were Dad and Coach. Chris’ biggest passions were his children Dylan, Logan, Sarah, Norah, and Union Pines High School. As a graduate of UPHS, he returned to help give back to his alma mater by walking the halls as a teacher assistant and on the sidelines as a coach. There are not many students who haven’t heard Coach Thomas bark on the sidelines of football games or in the bleachers during a wrestling match, or even in the hallways while switching classes. His devotion ran a river of that special UP Colombian blue, you would be hard-pressed to find a bigger fan of the Vikings.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son: James Logan Thomas.
He is survived by his son: Christopher Dylan Thomas (Emily), his daughters: Sarah Margaret Frye Thomas and Norah Elizabeth Frye Thomas, his granddaughter: Sophie Mae Thomas, his brother: Scott Thomas (Bobbie), and sister June Davis (Tim), as well numerous cousins, aunts and uncles, and a slew of Vikings.
A memorial will be conducted by the family at a later date.
The family asks in lieu of flowers or gifts; please send donations to the Union Pines Athletic Program.
Fry & Prickett Funeral Home is honored to serve the Thomas family.
Online condolences may be made at PinesFunerals.com.
