L.R. "Pete" Thomas Jr.

Pete was a graduate of New Bern High School’s class of 1942 and was active in the Boy Scouts as a young man, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He proudly served his country during World War II as a member of the U.S. Navy. Pete was an active member of both the Shriners and Masonic fraternities, beginning his Masonic pilgrimage in Doric Lodge in 1960 and becoming a member of Sudan Temple in 1966. His accolades include serving as Director of Sudan Temple from 1971-1978, Potentate of Sudan Temple (1987), and Grand Master of Masons of North Carolina (1988). Not only was Pete emphatically involved in leadership, but he was also highly involved in helping new members learn rites and progress through the degrees of freemasonry.

He was regarded in Craven County and abroad as a respectable businessman and President of the firm of L. R. Thomas and Sons Inc., General Contractors alongside brother John Thomas. Prominent work includes restoration of the Kellenberger gardens at Tryon Palace and the John Wright Stanley house. As a lifelong member of Saint Mary’s Free Will Baptist Church, he served as a Sunday school teacher for the Adult Men’s group. Above all else Pete was a beloved family man.

He is preceded in death by: his parents Roy and Effie Thomas; brothers Bud, James, and David Thomas; and daughter-in-law Teresa Latham Thomas. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 75 years, Jean Williams Thomas; children L. R. “Pete” Thomas III, Steven Thomas, and Jenny Thomas Lundquist; grandchildren L. R. “Lee” Thomas IV, Jesse (Ali) Thomas, Logan (Rebecca) Thomas, Colby (Claudine) Thomas, Elizabeth (Daniel) Foster, Luke Lundquist, and Charlie Thomas; great-grandchildren Francine, Lilly, Katelyn, Alexa, and Zachary; brother John Thomas (Susan); sisters Lovie Stilley and Shirley Pate; sisters-in-law Frances Thomas, and Jean Thomas; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Cotten Funeral Home in New Bern on Sunday, May 15 from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM. The service will be held at Saint Mary’s Free Will Baptist Church in New Bern on Monday, May 16th at 2:00 PM. Following the service, the burial will be held at Greenleaf Memorial Park with Masonic Rites. All who wish to pay their respects are welcome. In lieu of flowers charitable contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, Saint Mary’s Free Will Baptist Church, or to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to give special thanks to the following for their care: Dr. Craig Zavelo and staff of Coastal Internal Medicine, Craven County Hospice, especially Jennifer, Erica, and Angel, Dr. Ron Benfield, Susan Byrd and Betty Darling.