Gary Howard Thomas

Gary Howard Thomas, 70, entered the gates of heaven on Easter Morning, April 9, 2023.  Gary was born August 11, 1952 to the late Jack and Dora Mae Howard Thomas.  The family would like to invite anyone who knew Gary to join them for a time of visitation at 11:00 am at Howard-Carter Funeral Home on Friday, April 14th, 2023 with a service of remembrance to follow at noon. The family will hold a private graveside service.

While attending Grainger High School, Gary spent his summers in the tobacco field working with his Uncle Jim Tom, along with his cousins. Gary was a common sight riding around Kinston in his beloved 65 red convertible mustang. Once Gary graduated, he began working as a mechanic at Beard’s Service Center. During this time, he met the love of his life, Carol Sugg Thomas.   He married her as quickly as possible and loved her without end. While married to Carol, Gary operated the grill at Dawson Station for several years before they eventually moved to New Bern, where he was the store manager at Wilco.

Years later, Gary and Carol moved back to Kinston to spend their last years together.  As avid Nascar enthusiasts and UNC Tarheels fans, Gary and Carol never missed a basketball game or a race. They visited every racetrack and enjoyed every moment they spent together. Gary was often heard answering…”what color is the sky” when asked which college team he pulled for. He could coach from the couch like no other.

Gary and Carol were married for 33 years. They raised her two sons, Randall and Johnny Cribb.  Johnny’s children were the light of his later years. Due to medical issues, Gary became Carol’s caregiver until her death. Gary also was the caregiver for his Aunt Frances Smith during the last several years of her life. Gary was a man with a big heart, who would do anything he could to help anyone.

Later in life, Gary went back to work at the Lenoir County FairGround Recycling Center, where he was loved by many.  He was always ready with a joke or smile, spreading happiness to all who encountered him. Gary was often heard talking about his beloved friend Billy Brown.

Gary is survived by his stepsons, Randall Cribb and Johnnie Cribb (Georgia), along with his grandchildren Grayson and Teague. Gary will be fondly remembered by his cousins: Martha Smith (widow of Gene), Kinston; Doug Smith (Ginny),Kinston; Joe Waller Jr (Mary), Trenton; Judy Eubanks (Ori), Kinston; Marilyn Alexander, Winston Salem; Diane Quinn(Dan), LaGrange; Ronnie Howard (Teresa), Kinston; Laverne Howard, Pilot Mountain; Donald Howard(Tammy), Trenton; Connie Storie, LaGrange; Kim Howard(Angelia), Kinston; and their families.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the care Gary received while hospitalized at UNC Lenoir. His “babes” on the 4th floor were with him until the end.  Gary will be surely missed by all that knew him.