OIB, NC: Willie "Ray" Thomas, a.k.a Superman, age 74, went to be with his Lord and Savior peacefully in his home at Ocean Isle Beach, NC on Monday, June 26th, 2022. Ray was born August 10th, 1947, in Macon County, NC to the late Porter and Ethel Thomas. He was preceded in death by seven siblings and his sons, Jeff and Jake Thomas. Ray was a Vietnam War Veteran for the United States Marine Corps and serving his country was an achievement that he considered to be of highest honor. When he returned home from Vietnam, he continued his dedication to serving and protecting by working as a Sheriff's deputy in Macon and surrounding counties. Later, he earned a degree In Occupational Health where he served 30 years as an Environmental Health Specialist until his retirement from the State. He was a lover of all things nature and enjoyed spending many hours taking long walks up and down the beach to find treasure or, as he said, wasting money on a golf course. He stood firm in his beliefs and never backed down but his witty humor, infectious laugh, and willingness to always give is what makes him unforgettable. Ray is survived by his daughter of the home, Christie Slagle (Charles). Five grandchildren: Bree Sanders of Whiteville NC, Nathaniel Thomas of Columbia SC, Zachary Ward of North Myrtle Beach SC and Mackenzie and Taylor Thomas of Franklin NC. Three great-grandchildren: Braxton, Jack and Sailor Turner of Whiteville, NC. Four siblings: Thelma Carpenter, Lonnie Thomas (Dianne), Katie Rowand (Mitchell) and Earl Thomas (Pat) all of Franklin, NC. He was also blessed with his "sweet pea" of 11 years, Brenda Kans of Ocean Isle Beach along with countless friends and acquaintances all along the East Coast. Paying their final respects in one of the highest honors, the pallbearers are: Nathaniel Thomas, Zachary Ward, Taylor Thomas, James Turner, Shannon Knitie and Daniel Sanders. Honorary bearers are Eddie Collins and Brandon Ledford. Funeral services will be held at Liberty Baptist Church in Franklin, NC on July 10th, 2022, at 2 p.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rev. Don Moffitt will officiate. VFW 7339, American Legion 108 and the US Marine Corp will provide military honors. There will also be a celebration of life in the weeks to come in Brunswick County, NC, where he resided. The family will receive friends starting at 1:15 pm. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Moffitt Family Funeral Care. Moffitt Family Funeral care is honored to serve Ray's family.