Samuel Harold Thomas, Jr.

Samuel Harold Thomas Jr., age 86, passed away peacefully at his home on July 2, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.  Born on September 4, 1939 in Fayetteville, NC. Sam was the oldest son of Samuel Harold Thomas and Irene Hudson Thomas.

Sam graduated from Fayetteville Senior High School in 1957 and earned his business degree from Worth Business College in 1963. His strong work ethic was evident from an early age, beginning his career with Barber Veterinary Supply at just 16 years old. After 32 years with Barber Veterinary Supply, Sam spent three additional years with Veterinary Medical Supply in Garner, NC before retiring, concluding a distinguished 35-year management career in the veterinary supply industry, jokingly referring to himself as a “legal drug pusher”.

In 1974, at the age of 35, Sam began investing in real estate with existing and new construction residential properties, including Haymount Court Apartments, a 32-unit apartment complex. He loved renovating run down properties for selling or leasing, with his partner, Craig Williams. His passion for real estate led him to earn his North Carolina Real Estate Salesman's license in 1992 and Broker's license in 2000. He was an active member of the National (NAR), State (NC REALTORS), and Local (Longleaf Pine) Real Estate Associations since 1992. Additionally, Sam served as President of the Optimist Club and was a member of the Fayetteville Exchange Club. 

Sam met his wife, Sue, a dental hygienist at his dentist’s office, when she cleaned his teeth. He flashed those flirty blue eyes and 5 years later they began a life together. She was attracted to his witty personality, vast knowledge of most everything, accountability, and love of the Lord. They shared a passion for travel, real estate, family and friends. Sam loved singing to Johnny Cash and Elvis music. He even taught Ashley, our African Grey parrot, to sing “Why me Lord”. 

Sam gave his life to Christ in April 1985, a decision that became the foundation of his life. He and Sue were baptised together in the swimming pool of Kenneth Banks, prior to their wedding on July 20, 1985, surrounded by fellow worshippers from Fayetteville Believer’s Chapel. He later became a  member of Village Baptist Church where he enjoyed worship, fellowship, and participating in the Adventure Class Life Group, founded by Frank Scott. 

In recent years, Sam's health steadily declined, eventually leaving him immobile. Since January 2026, he received compassionate and exceptional care from Liberty Hospice, for which his family is deeply grateful. We would like to extend a special thank you to Nichole Gist, RN, Myesha Pierce, CNA, Heather Simpson, LPN, Morgan Studebaker, RN, Susan Pender, MSW, and Felisa Williams, CM. They cared for Sam as if he was part of their own family and we loved them as if they were.

Sam is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 40 years, Susan Barnes Thomas; his daughters Cheryl Janine Thomas and Cynthia Sue Thomas; his son Samuel Harold Thomas III; his step children Christian Neal Lamprecht and Natalie Suzanne Cromartie (husband Alva “Chip” Simpson Cromartie, III, and grandchildren Mason McLeod Cromartie, Salley Gibson Cromartie, and Evan McKellar Cromartie); his sister Sylvia Thomas Adrian (and numerous nieces and nephews, grands, greats, and great-greats); brother-in-law Jerry Crumpler and niece Terry Lynn Crumpler Thompson (husband Robert Thompson); sister-in-law Brenda Hardin Thomas and niece Jennifer Thomas Williams (husband Dennis Caleb Williams).

He was preceded in death by his father Samuel Harold Thomas, Sr., his mother Irene Hudson Thomas, sister Mary Ellen Thomas Crumpler, brother James Christopher Thomas, niece Elizabeth Alison Thomas, niece Carol Anne Adrian-Barnettte, nephew George Lauris Adrian II, niece Kathy Crumpler Broughton, and nephew Jerry Marshall Crumpler, Jr.

A visitation and Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Rogers & Breece Funeral Home, 500 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 p.m., with a memorial service at 1:30 p.m. in the Rogers & Breece Chapel. The day's services will conclude with a graveside service at 3:00 p.m. at Lafayette Memorial Park.  

Sam will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

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