Tommy Thomas

Elijah Newett Thomas III, better known as Tommy, age 72, a resident of Rocky Mount, NC, died Thursday, February 26, 2026, at home with his loving wife.

A visitation will be at Wilson Memorial Service, Wilson, Monday, March 2, 3:00 - 5:00 PM.

Tommy grew up in Wilson, NC. In his youth, he helped out on the farm and attempted to corral his sisters as they all grew. Tommy had an infectious laugh that made you laugh just to hear it. He loved adventure and music of all types, but The Beatles were his absolute favorite—even passing that love onto his children. He played bass and acoustic guitar with The Harvest Band, and he played enough at Bucks in Wilson that his son was able to score a few free drinks while in college years later!

In another life, he would have loved to channel his inner Magnum PI and James Bond while driving his Alfa Romeo. His family thought he was cooler than James Bond, funnier than Maxwell Smart, more dashing than Errol Flynn, and more loved than a fuzzy teddy bear!

He was an avid fan of Duke Basketball, rarely without his Duke hat or a t-shirt, always hoping they beat Carolina—much to his children’s dismay. Later in his life, he became a cat whisperer to his clowder of cats. They would follow him throughout the house and were his daytime companions while watching a British mystery, Dr. Who reruns (the 4th Doctor was his favorite, so don’t argue), and of course, the news.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Faye Thomas of the home; son Jason Thomas (Jessica); daughter Reagan Taylor (Chris); sisters Melinda Boykin (Charlie) and Hope Thomas; stepmom Doris Thomas and stepsister Charlene Joyner; brother-in-law Al Wells (Barbara); numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. He also leaves behind four grandchildren to cherish his memory: Zach and Savannah Thomas, and Sullivan and Carson Taylor. And last but not least, his precious clowder of cats: BB, Errol, Flynn, Murphy, and Duke.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Elijah Newett Thomas Jr. (better known as John) and Peggy Ann Thomas; sisters Patricia Butts and Cathy Erdman; mother-in-law Patricia Wells; sister-in-law Teresa Langley; nephew Allen Wells; and stepbrother Allen Mosley.

Tommy’s legacy lives on in the laughter, music, and love he shared with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his devotion to Duke Basketball, and his gentle companionship with his beloved cats.

Memorials can be made in Tommy's name to any of the following organizations; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 200 Vesey St, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10281, www.breakthrought1d.org/, Duke Children's Hospital, 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27710, www.dukehealth.org/hospitals/duke-childrens-hospital, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org/give

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson 252-237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com