Sergeant First Class Jerry Lee Thomas, 68, of Winston-Salem, NC exchanged labor for eternal rest on December 31, 2024. On August 28, 1956 the late Robert Lee Guilford and Annie Lee Brodie welcomed him into this world in Bishopville, South Carolina. Jerry understood the value of service and gave of his time and talents when he enlisted in the United States Army. Proudly he served and retired from active-duty service from the United States Army with 25 years of honorable and distinguished service.

During his time of earthly work, he was employed and retired from the City of Winston-Salem with 25 years of dedicated service and received the 2017 Employee Excellence Award. In his leisure time, Jerry had passion for athletics and served as a Youth Basketball Coach and was a great mentor for many.

Jerry understood the value of his foundation and the structure he gained from his time in the armed forces, and it was reflected in his character as an amazing father and son who never hesitated to help anyone in need. His warm smile mixed with his kind and gentle spirit left an unforgettable mark on everyone he met. If you knew Jerry, you'd know about his love for collecting clothes, shoes and treasures along his work route. He was known for his unique handshake, which always included a playful pressure-point grab that made everyone laugh or scream, and let's not forget his love for hot sauce-he couldn't imagine a meal tasting right without it. He was always on the move, full of energy and truly never met a stranger.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Debbie Thomas; grandmother, Dosha Davis; uncles, Joe Louis Commander and Willie Davis.

He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Thomas; his mother, Annie Brodie; one sister, Mildred McDuffie; and one brother, Willie Rob McDuffie. He leaves to cherish loving memories, a devoted daughter and caretaker, Crysanthia Thomas and daughter, Nameka Thomas; stepson, Dereck Bullock; stepdaughter, Lakedra Bullock; devoted niece and caretaker, Toni Guess; six grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

His life will be honored at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Roberts Funeral Service Chapel with visitation at 1:30 P.M. prior to the service. A public viewing will be held Monday, January 6, 2025 from 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Interment and final salute will take place at 12:30 P.M. on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at Salisbury National Cemetery with military honors.