Keith Rex Thomas age 60, of Lillington died Saturday, May 11. 2013 at the Hospice of Wake County Center in Raleigh after a courageous battle with cancer. A native of Harnett County, he was preceded in death by his father, Rex Thomas. In 1971, Keith graduated from Boone Trail High School and in 1975 from Campbell College with a BA degree in Health/Physical Education. Following his education, he worked with the NC Department of Corrections as a Physical Education Instructor before obtaining his insurance license. In 1982 he began working with Farm Bureau Insurance in Lillington. He worked with Farm Bureau for over 17 years before joining Cape Fear Insurance Agency in Lillington in 1998. He was a lifelong member of Antioch Baptist Church where he served as deacon, Sunday School teacher, and on various other committees. Keith was an avid golfer, fisherman, and Duke Basketball fan and enjoyed many different kinds of sporting activities.

Funeral service will be conducted 3:00 pm Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at Antioch Baptist Church, Mamers with Rev. Patrick Broadus and Pastor Robbie O'Quinn officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 pm Monday at O'Quinn-Peebles Funeral Home, other times at his home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Wake County Center, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Keith is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sharon Salmon Thomas; Daughter, Shannon T. Howell and husband Currie of Angier; Granddaughter, Claire Howell; Mother, Alva Lee Thomas of Lillington; Brother, Reggie Thomas of Hickory; Sister, Lori Chambers of Pfafftown.
Funeral service will be conducted 3:00 pm Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at Antioch Baptist Church, Mamers with Rev. Patrick Broadus and Pastor Robbie Oâ