James Lynn Mr. Thomas

POLKTON - Mr. James Lynn Thomas, 63, went home to be with the Lord died Monday, November 12, 2012. Funeral services will be 3:00pm Thursday, November 15, 2012 at Hopewell United Methodist Church with Rev. Dennis Stegall officiating. Interment will follow in Rocky River Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will greet friends Wednesday from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at Leavitt Funeral Home in Wadesboro and other times at the home. Lynn was born July 15, 1949 in Anson County, NC a son of the late Henry Malvin Thomas and the late Ila Bowers Thomas. Lynn loved the out doors. In his early days, he thought nothing of jumping on his horse and riding with his buddies to Marshville. On his last day, he thought nothing of rising from his sick bed to go check on a downed cow. He enjoyed hunting, especially with his sons and grandsons, and many times took along a thrilled teenager or two from the church. He grew up at Hopewell United Methodist Church, but as a teen fell in love with Fran Turner, and decided to go to her home church, Rocky River Baptist Church, where he was saved, and his heart remained as a devoted member the rest of his life. When there was a question at church, the answer most times would be, 'Ask Lynn, He'll know.' Known for the care he showed those on his Deacon's list, to the kind words he had for those who crossed his path, many sought his thoughtful judgment, and will miss his reassurance, 'It's going to work out, the Lord's gonna take care of it.' Always known to be a good cook, he would be the first one at the Rocky River brotherhood breakfasts, where he was known for his delicious grits. He faithfully helped Fran cater, where his specialty was shrimp and grits. As a member of The Cattleman's Association, he cooked regularly at the meetings once they discovered his talents. A farmer at heart, he was a substitute carrier at Polkton Post Office before founding Lynn Thomas Grading, where most of his employees were his family, and those who weren't were made to feel as if they were. He loved and cherished his family, the trips they took together, and falling asleep in his chair with one of his grandchildren snuggled happily in his lap. Many happy times were shared with his brothers and he lovingly attended to his mother and father and probably at this moment helping them gather pecans in heaven. Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Fran Turner Thomas of the home; his sons and daughters-in-law, Kevin and Mary Thomas and Shane and Susan Thomas both of Polkton; his grandchildren, Drew, Lane, Lindsay and Luke; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Don and Elaine Thomas of Surfside Beach and Rev. Tony and Brenda Thomas of Randleman; his uncle and aunt, Billy and Catherine Thomas of Oakboro; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ward and Mary Turner and Tommy and Trudy Turner both of Polkton and his nieces and nephews and their families. Many lives have been enriched by knowing Lynn Thomas. A family man, a hard worker, a friend, but most importantly a child of God. Memorials may be made to Rocky River Baptist Church, 297 Rocky River Church Rd., Polkton, NC 28135. The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.leavittfuneralhomewadesboro.com