Roger Dale Thomas

Roger was born on November 30, 1948, in Toccoa, Georgia to the late Dwaine & Bonnie Sue (Heaton) Thomas. He was the third of five children. His sister Brenda Dodd and brother Dwaine Thomas, Jr. preceded him in death.

Roger joined the United States Marine Corps right out of high school. He served two terms in Vietnam and was awarded serval ribbons and medals including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal. Roger retired from the Marine Corps after 22 years of service.

Roger married Mary Lendell Cox on November 30, 1984. He jokingly told the family he picked an anniversary date he would not forget. He was a member of the Trenton Methodist Church where he held numerous positions over the years. Roger was a hardworking, do it yourself, individual. He enjoyed working on projects, hunting, and spending time with his family. He began building the family farm after retiring from service. His small herd of cattle was replaced with nursery houses in what he termed as “the pig operation.” He often appeared to be a gruff man but was always willing to help when called.

Roger leaves to cherish his loving memory his wife of 40 years, Mary Lendell Thomas; His children Susan Gillikin (Haywood) of Trenton, David Bergman (Joan) of Jacksonville, Becky Mercer (Todd) of Trenton, Julie Mercer (Steven) of Trenton, and Cole Thomas of Trenton; his grandchildren Hayley Edwards (Travis) of New Bern, Harley Baker (Joseph) of Sanford, Silas Gillikin of Trenton, Nichalos Mercer of Trenton, Quentin Thomas of Virginia Beach, Logan Mercer of Trenton, Noah Mercer (Taylor) of New Bern, Hannah Mercer of Trenton, and Joshua Mercer of Trenton; his great-grand children Eli Edwards, Joey Baker, Morgan Gillikin, Benny Baker, and Greyson Edwards; his siblings Glenda McFarland of Toccoa, and David Thomas (Bobbie Ann) of Toccoa; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will welcome visitors in Whitaker Hall, the fellowship hall, at the Trenton Methodist Church at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. A celebration of life ceremony will be held at 2:00 pm followed by an interment at the Oak Grove Cemetery with Military Honors.

Memorials can be made to: Oak Grove Cemetery Fund P.O. Box 520 Trenton, NC 28585

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Thomas family.