Russell Craig Thomas

Russell "Rusty" Craig Thomas, 71, of Apex, NC passed away February 8, 2022 at home. Rusty was born November 25, 1950 to Daniel Thomas and Ruby Craig Thomas in Sanford, NC. Rusty graduated from Lee Senior High School in Sanford, NC. He went on to work in the Steel Fabrication Industry for more than 50 years.

In 1976, Rusty met the love of his life Carol Andrew Thomas in Raleigh, NC. Rusty and Carol went on to have two children Shelley and Lindsey.

Rusty enjoyed coaching his girls and being on the softball field throughout their childhood, and still attended all of their athletic events even as adults. Rusty spent many years devoted to coaching sports and impacted many lives and was loved and respected by many.

Rusty was a proud and dedicated grandfather to 6 grandchildren; Brittany, Baylee, Zoe, Dylan, Rayder and Skylar. Rusty was actively involved in all of their lives and enjoyed spending every moment he could with them.

Rusty is survived by his wife Carol A. Thomas, his mother Ruby Craig Thomas, Brother Danny Thomas & his wife Sherry Thomas, Daughters Shelley Peptis and husband Mitch Peptis, Lindsey Nugent and husband Chris Nugent, and his six grandchildren. Rusty is also survived by many brother and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Russell will be held Friday, February 11, 2022 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W Williams St, Apex, NC 27502. A graveside service will occur Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 2:00 PM at South Fork Friends Church, 359 S Fork Bethel Rd., Snow Camp, NC 27349.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.apexfuneral.net for the Thomas family.