Lathell Bernard Thomas

A Time to be Born

Lathell Bernard Thomas (Lay) was born February 26, 1944 in Ocala, Florida to the late Nathaniel and Eris Thomas.

A Time to be Educated

He attended Howard High School in Ocala, Florida where he graduated in 1960. He attended Florida A & M University where he graduated in 1964. He also attended The Presidio of Monterey, California where he learned to speak fluent Spanish.

A Time to Serve

Lathell served valiantly as a Captain in the United States Army from 1965-1972. He was an Army Intelligence Officer, and was a member of the Special Forces and a paratrooper. In 1968 he served in Counter Intelligence in Viet Nam.

A Time to Work

He served as a Special Agent with the FBI from 1972-1995. From 1995-2008, he was a Corporate Security Manager for Glaxo, Smith, and Kline.

A Time to Play

Lathell loved sports. HE played softball, handball, and racquetball. He was an avid golfer and for years was a member of the Board of Governors of the Prestonwood Country Club.

A Time to Worship

He was a member of White Plains United Methodist Church and previously served on the Church Council.

A Time to Rest

Lathell departed this life on January 20, 2023, but his memories will forever be cherished by his loving family and friends. He leaves behind a loving wife of 54 years, Rosalind (Parker) Thomas; two sons Patrick Carlos and Derek Alan; two sister, Patricia Thomas Carter, (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) and Peggy Thomas (Ocala, FL); one brother, Larone Thomas (Tara) (Gainesville, FL); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A memorial service for Lathell will be held Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 3:00 PM at White Plains United Methodist Church, 313 SE Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27511.

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