William Alma Thomas Sr.

William Alma Thomas Sr., 93, a lifelong resident of Kannapolis, NC where he raised his family, died Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at Compass Health & Rehab in Spencer, NC. A private graveside service will be held Friday, April 17 at Carolina Memorial Park in Kannapolis. Whitley’s Funeral Home in Kannapolis is handling arrangements.

Mr. Thomas was born in Stanly County on April 24, 1926, one of nine children to Clyde Eugene Thomas and Nina Irene Speights Thomas. He was self-employed as owner of Bill Thomas Body Shop and later as Kannapolis Collision Center and was a veteran of World War II serving in the US Navy. He was the lead guitarist & singer for the 1950’s group, The Thomas Family & other bands, playing several venues in the area, including entertainment for veterans at the then newly-constructed VA center in Salisbury, and radio shows with WSAT in Salisbury, WPEG in Concord and others in Statesville. As frequent participants in many early “Fiddlers Conventions” in the area, his band won many awards. His emceeing skills utilized while playing musical venues provided him with opportunity to hone his penchant for delivering jokes, especially corny ones. He will be remembered for his wit & kindness. He enjoyed being with his family & relished time with grandchildren and great grands. He and his wife, Huldah, were active members of Midway United Methodist Church in Kannapolis.

Survivors include his wife of 74 years, Huldah Beatrice Collins Thomas; two daughters, Elaine Thomas Deese of New London, Sally Thomas Spingler of Alexis; one son, William Allan Thomas Jr. of Salisbury; Five grandchildren, Teresa Cleveland, Lori Stoner, Bryan Shinn, Angie Shuntich, Johnny Laury; eleven great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; two sisters, Ruby Thomas Rippy of Belmont, Peggy Thomas Pope of Davidson; one brother, Larry Fred Thomas of Mint Hill.

Preceding him in passing were three sisters, Mazelle Thomas Smith, Edith Thomas Brotherton, Mildred Blythe Laney; two brothers, Kenneth Ray Thomas and Johnny Jones Thomas; one grandchild.

Memorial donations may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, or online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org , or telephone at 910-487-0116 or to Midway United Methodist Church, 108 Bethpage Road, Kannapolis, NC 28081/ online at www.midwayunitedmethodistchurch.org noting as “In Memory of” gift.