Mr. John "Buddy" Thomas, 71, of Lillington, passed away Monday, December 17, 2018.

Buddy was a lifelong farmer and also worked in textiles at Sanford Finishing.  He loved going to Surf City to camp and to fish.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 21, 2018 at 4 pm in Antioch Baptist Church.  The burial will follow in the church cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mack Thomas and Faye Crowder; and a brother, Edward Griffin.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie D. Thomas; two daughters, Malinda Holder (Eddie) and Lisa FitzGibbon (Terry) all of Lillington; six grandchildren, Tye FitzGibbon, Taylor Holder, Megan Holder, Stephanie FitzGibbon, Victoria FitzGibbon and John Thomas; siblings, Ray Ragan of Sanford, Shirley Disidoro of Florida, Eula Mae Cummings of South Carolina, Doris Harrington of Broadway and Alice Faye Pierson of Tennessee; and sister-in-law, Ruby Griffin of Broadway.

Buddy's family will receive friends Thursday evening, December 20, from 6 to 8 pm at the church.