Tilford H. Thomas

Mr. Thomas, 89, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on March 16, 2011 at Presbyterian Hospital. He was born on February 8, 1922 in Cincinnati, OH, a son of the late Alvin and Hilda Nichting Thomas, and beloved husband to his late wife, Bernice Giesler Thomas.

He graduated from Purcell High School with honors in 1940, and went on to serve in the Navy for over three years during WWII. Tilford earned eight Battle Stars for participating in as many invasions.

Mr. Thomas operated Thomas Grocery on Wm. H. Taft Rd. from 1946 until 1960. He started Thomas & Craddock Sales, a manufacturer’s rep business, in 1961.

As a devoted member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church since 1961, he served as a lector, cantor, and Eucharistic minister; and was on the first Parish Council. One of his greatest pleasures was being a part of his church choir. His love of life and laughter will remain as a special gift for all who knew him.

He is survived by his son Richard Ellsworth Thomas and wife Jacalyn, of Accokeek, MD, daughter Mary Ann Thomas Craddock; grandsons, Abram P. Craddock, V and Christopher T. Craddock, all of Charlotte; sisters Bette Thomas Giesler of Boca Raton, FL and Eileen Thomas McMahon of Cincinnati, OH; as well as many devoted nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 21, 2011 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church with the Reverend Frank O’Rourke, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Charlotte Memorial Gardens. A prayer service will be held on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m., with visitation following until 6 p.m at Harry & Bryant Company, 500 Providence Rd., Charlotte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Little Sisters of the Assumption, 333 E. 115 St., NY, NY, 10029.

Condolences may also be expressed at www.harryandbryantfuneralhome.com.

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