HAVELOCK, N.C. — Carl Thomas, 68, of Havelock, N. C., died Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, at Carolina East Medical Center in New Bern, N. C. after a sudden illness. He was born in Ironton on Jan. 25, 1942, to Emerson and LaVerne Thomas. He was an excellent student and basketball player at Ironton High School. After high school, Carl joined the Air Force and served eight years of active duty and 12 years in the reserves before retiring from the USAF as a Master Sergeant. While in the reserves, he also worked at Kaiser Steel in Napa, Calif., as a planner and estimator. His next career was as a logistics manager for the Department of Defense at the Alameda Naval Ship Yard and at Cherry Point Marine Air Station in Havelock, where he retired. In his spare time, Carl was an avid collector of coins, enjoyed golfing, fishing, and spending time with his family. Carl’s witty humor, bright smile, strength, friendship, and guidance will greatly be missed.

Carl is preceded in death by his father, Emerson Thomas, and granddaughter, Whisper Curry.

He is survived by several relatives and friends including his children, Carl Thomas, II of Fairfield, Calif., Daniel Curry of Fairfield, Wendy Neveadomi of Vacaville, Calif. and Phillip Curry of London, UK; grandchildren, TJ Thomas, Samantha Neveadomi, Brandon Neveadomi, and Nick Curry; his mother, La Verne Thomas of Ironton; sisters, Sheila Knapper of Columbus and Beverley and Phil Carter of Pittsburgh, Pa. Carl was also fortunate to have for 17 years his long-time companion, Margaurite Smith to share wonderful times with.

A funeral service will be held at noon Saturday, Oct. 16, at Tracy Brammer Funeral Home, Ironton with Rev. James H. Stowe, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery. A visitation will be held 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tracybrammerfh.com.