Mr. Franklin Monroe Thomas peacefully departed this life Wednesday, October 11, 2017 following a lengthy illness.  Franklin was born in Yadkin County on May 15, 1930 to the late Jean Roosevelt and Cora Williams Thomas.

Franklin was educated in the Yadkin County public schools and graduated from Yadkin County High School in Boonville in 1949. Franklin continued his education at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, graduating in 1952. He served in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. During his time of service, he received the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star and the National Defense Service Medal. Franklin married the love of his life, Laura Knox Thomas in 1963. They were married for 42 wonderful years until her death in 2006.  Their secret to 'Lasting Love' was featured in a national magazine in early 2006.  Franklin spoke of being optimistic, always doing the right thing and attending church together. Franklin's heart was always in the right place and his loving nature was evident to everyone who knew him.  His love for his family was demonstrated each year when the Annual Spease/Thomas Family Reunion was held at his family home place (also known as his backyard) consistently for over 70+ years.  In addition, he also held a community cookout every year until 2006.  He was proud of working diligently at Western Electric/AT&T where he retired after 34.5 years of service, having only missed three days of work during that time.  He had a strong work ethic and he shared that value with his sons and everyone who knew him.

Franklin never met a stranger and he loved talking to everyone who crossed his path. He firmly believed that 'It doesn't cost you anything to be kind to others."  He also loved working with his hands and making everything he touched bloom.  He was a life-long farmer who raised typical North Carolina crops like tobacco and soybeans.  He also made molasses and sugar-cured hams.  Following retirement, he founded Thomas Landscaping.  His work is displayed from the highways of Winston-Salem to the campus of Duke University. In his "free time", he participated in various Democratic activities and the Parks and Recreation State Board.

Franklin was a former member of West End / First Institutional Church and a Charter Member of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church where he served for over 50 years and was a faithful and dedicated member of the Deacon Board until his health prevented him from continuing his service.

Franklin was preceded in death by his loving wife, Laura Knox Thomas; his parents; one sister, Cora Rene Thomas; and three brothers, Roy Thomas, Willis Thomas, and James Floyd Thomas.

He is survived by two sons, Kevin (Vanessa) of Julian, NC and Kenneth (Monecia Rena) of East Bend, NC; two grandsons, Justin P. Thomas of Greensboro, NC and Steven R. Thomas of Greenville, NC; one granddaughter, Kennedy R. Thomas of East Bend, NC; three sisters-in-law, Adline Thomas (Willis) of Tucker, GA, Lottie Thomas (James Floyd) of Atlanta, GA, and Lizzie Knox Anthony of Lewisville, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones to cherish his memory.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. J. Donald Ballard officiating.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Tuesday at the Church.