Bernice Gray Thomas

Bernice "Bill" Gray Thomas, 88, of Epps Clark Road, Siler City died Monday, February 25, 2013 at Laurels Of Chatham, Pittsboro. Mr. Thomas was born in Cleveland County on January 19, 1925 the son of Thomas Jesse and Georgia (Jennings) Thomas. Bill was the owner of Chatham Auto Parts, an Army veteran of World War II and a member of Sapling Ridge United Methodist Church. He was a longtime active member of the Silk Hope Ruritan Club, a past president and served for years as chairman of the ice cream committee. He was also a top fund raiser with advertisements in the annual program and truck raffle for the club. Bill was an avid Atlanta Braves fan and enjoyed Nascar. He is survived by his wife: Doris (Perry) Thomas, one daughter: Sharon Thomas Church of Asheboro, NC and two sons: Douglas Craig Thomas and wife, Tracey of Siler City, NC, Kenneth Ray Thomas of Siler City, NC; two sisters: Betty Phillips of Siler City, NC, Helen Beck and husband, Welford of Siler City, NC; grandchildren, Kristopher Thomas of Siler City, NC, Casey Hardin of Morehead City, NC, Holly Sorenson of Siler City, NC, Kimberley Church of Wilmington, NC, Amanda Alden of Roanoke, VA; step-grandchildren, Stephanie Everhart of Siler City, NC and Matthew Everhart of Thomasville, NC, Alex Moody of Siler City, NC and seven great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 27, 2013 6:00-8:30 PM at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 North Second Avenue, Siler City, NC. The funeral will be Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Sapling Ridge United Methodist Church, 5016 Silk Hope-Gum Spring Road, Pittsboro with Rev. Jason Dickerson, Dr. C. J. Bordeaux and Rev. Steve Moore officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites by the Randolph County Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to Sapling Ridge United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 5016 Silk Hope-Gum Spring Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312 or The Silk Hope Ruritan Club, c/o Harvey Shankle, 303 Epps Clark Road, Siler City, NC 27344. Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com.