Jasper Lawrence Thomas, age 87, passed away peacefully at his home on North Fork on May 14, 2026.

Born on the family farm that he dearly loved, Lawrence was the son of the late Clay and Wilmetta Thomas. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Lois Oliver Thomas, and his precious daughter, Denise Thomas Smith. As well as his father-in-law Rev. Barney L. Oliver and wife June Y. Oliver.

Lawrence proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was an avid fisherman and hunter who found great joy in the outdoors and especially treasured his life on North Fork. Returning home to the family farm and his birthplace was one of his greatest blessings. He was a faithful member of Union Baptist Church and lived a quiet, humble life that reflected his belief that less is always more. Through his gentle spirit and steady example, he showed kindness not through words, but through actions.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Daren L. Thomas of Washington, DC; daughter, Paula T. Hicks and husband Bobby Hicks of Vilas; son-in-law Michael Smith of Sugar Grove; grandchildren Lindsay Story and husband Logan of Zionville, Dylan Smith and wife Hannah of Sugar Grove, Abby Reese and husband Casey of Butler, and Luke Smith and wife Charlotte of Waxhaw. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Sadie Gray and Beau Story, Rydor and Maya Denise Smith, Willa June Reese, and Arlo Smith.

Lawrence is also survived by his brother, Albert Thomas and wife Jewel Thomas; sisters Hilda Wilson and late Sonny Wilson, and Francis Phillips and husband Joe Phillips. He is further survived by sisters-in-law Libby Warren and the late Rev. Bill Warren, Connie Shore and husband Alton Shore; and brother-in-law Bud Oliver and wife Faye Oliver.

Mr. Thomas was dearly loved by many nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

His family will remember him as a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose quiet strength, love of home, and kindness will never be forgotten.

Funeral services for Jasper Lawrence Thomas will be conducted 4:00 PM Sunday May 17, 2026, at Union Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Union Baptist Church Cemetery. Reverend Josh Phillips and Reverend Derick Wilson will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Union Baptist Church Cemetery Fund in care of Roxanne Miller 6797 Old US Hwy 421 Zionville, North Carolina 28698 or Medi Home Hospice 400 Shadowline Drive Suite 102 Boone, North Carolina 28607.

Online condolences may be sent to the Thomas family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service in charge of the arrangements.