Onas DeLane Thomas

Onas DeLane “O.D.” Thomas, 67, of Pineville quietly slipped into the arms of our Lord on May 30, 2012 after a long struggle with Multiple Sclerosis and more recently with heart problems. His wife and brother, Hank, were at his side. O.D. was born on February 7, 1945 in Anson County. The youngest of seven children, he was the son of Onas Hall and Susie Tucker Thomas, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Anson High School in 1963.

O.D. was a dedicated worker, always striving for excellence. He retired from BellSouth in 1991 and then worked with his brother, Roland, at Display Options for eight years. He was active in Boy Scout Troop 65 and was a member of the US Army Reserves for 12 years. He was a true family man who treasured times spent with family and friends, always looking forward to the next Burnsville Barbeque or class reunion. He had a big smile for everyone he met and valued the friendships he made.

In addition to his parents, O.D. is predeceased by his sister, Barbara Thomas Turner, brother-in-law, C.M. Bivens and sister-in-law, Johnsie Treadaway Thomas. O.D. is survived by his wife of 44 years, Shelby Hurst Thomas; daughter, Cathy Ledford (John) of Mint Hill; son, Greg Thomas (Jennifer) of Matthews; four grandchildren, Johnny and Chris Ledford and Sarah and Emily Thomas; brothers, Robert M. Thomas of Peachland, NC, H.C. Thomas (Lois) and Roland Thomas (Gail) of Charlotte; sisters, Mabel Price of Charlotte and Doris Watkins (Jon) of Marietta, GA and many nieces and nephews who were all very special to him.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 3 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm followed by a 3:00 pm Memorial Service at McEwen Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28210. Friends and family are invited to a reception immediately following the service at The Cottages at Carolina Place clubhouse located at 10120 Bishops Gate Blvd, Pineville, NC 28134.

The family would like to thank family, friends and neighbors that have been very supportive over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at National MS Society, PO Box 4527, New York, NY 10163 or online at www.nationalmssociety.org/donate. Online condolences may be left at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com