Leroy Thomas, Jr.

August 13, 1948 - October 10, 2021

...
Text:

Obituary For Leroy Thomas, Jr.

Major Leroy Thomas Jr. (USMC retired), 73, of Jacksonville, North Carolina suddenly passed away of cancer on October 10, 2021, while surrounded by his family at Carolina East Medical Center of New Bern, North Carolina. Leroy, more commonly known as “Jr.” was born on August 13,1948 in Norfolk, Va. In 1964, he married his junior high sweetheart, Jean Ann Thomas. In 1971, he enlisted in the Marine Corps to proudly serve his country for 23 years. After “Swingin with the Wing”, he retired from New River Air Station. Upon retirement in 1994, Jr and his family established their home on the coast of North Carolina. There, Jr found joy in spending time with family and friends, spreading his wisdom, and helping others. A great day in the mind of Jr included, fishing, gardening, cooking for others, or a sunset in Aruba. Jr was known for a smile on his face, a joke on his lips, and a drink in his hand. He was always the life of the party, and his smile could brighten any room. Jr is survived by his loving wife, Jean McDaries Thomas; His children Leroy Allen Thomas and wife, Tina Thomas; Kevin Thomas; His grandchildren, Lindsi Jean Simpson and husband, Grant Simpson; Cassie Leigh Thomas; Abigail Pinkie Thomas; His Sister Linda Staton and husband, Forrest Staton of Chesapeake, Va. Preceding Jr in death and now reunited with his lovely mother Glennie Lawrence; his stepfather Fred Lawrence; his father Leroy Thomas Sr.; his brother-in-law and best friend Ronnie McDaries. A visitation will be held at Johnson Funeral Home, 2685 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville, NC 28546 on Thursday, October 14, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The memorial service will also be held at Johnson Funeral Home on October 15, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. followed by Military Honors at The Beirut Memorial, 911 Lejeune Blvd. Jacksonville, NC at 2:00 p.m. The services will be to celebrate Jr. Thomas, our rock, our Papa, and “One Bad Booger Bare”. For inquiries regarding food and flowers for the family, please contact Linda Humphrey at Forget-Me-Not 910-347-5543.

Please, share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on "Share-A-Memory" tab.

Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • July 07, 2023

  • October 15, 2021

    So sorry for your loss. JR was an outstanding Marine. I first met him at MCAS Kaneohe Bay in the mid 70s. We were both Sergeants at the time and we were members of Mag 24. Later in 1981 we both attending Aviation Supply School where he was a brand new Warrant Officer and I was a 2ndLt. You know he was not called Jr by us but instead J. R. And he is in our prayers. Roger Kraft LtCol USMC (Ret)

  • October 15, 2021

    I am sorry for your family loss of a great man, father, husband and Marine. You are in our prayers and thoughts. Richard, Lisa, Mackenzie, and Adam Petty.

  • October 15, 2021

    My most sincere condolences for your loss. I served with Maj. Thomas at New River, a fine man and an outstanding Marine.

  • October 14, 2021

    What a terrific Marine. A fantastic leader of his Marines. A really great friend. Have known JR and Jean over 40 years as we lived at MCAS New River. What a great couple. Jean gave condolences at my wife's recent funeral in June. I'll keep her and her family in my thoughts and prayers. I know what she's going through. She's got good people around her and will be there for her and her family. Love, Les Petty and Semper Fi.

  • October 14, 2021

    The very first time we met "Jr" was in Little River. We received mail for a Leroy Thomas...& from that moment on he & his family has been part of our Thomas family and one of the Best friends you could have! RIP our friend. You will be missed! ❤️🙏🏻 Linda & Rick

  • October 14, 2021

    There are no words to explain the sympathy I feel for each of you. Losing a parent is one of the hardest things to go thru. May God be with each of you as you go thru one of the most difficult times. Hugs to each of you and we are always here for you all. Jr Thomas was one of a kind friend who will be truly missed. love to all of you-Gary and Darlene Keene

  • October 13, 2021

    We are so sorry for your loss Jean. We are praying for you and your family. Jr was a unique individual and he will be greatly missed.

  • October 12, 2021

    I'm very sorry for your loss Jean Thomas. My parents and I will be praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Love, Michelle Farnell and Jim and Maxine Lucas.

  • October 12, 2021

    I am so sorry for your loss. All our prayers are with you. Jim and Colleen

Add a Candle

Click a candle below to add a candle to your message.

Loading...

For older obituaries, please visit our obituary archive by clicking on the button below.

Call Now Button