Stephen "Steve" Ray Thomas

Stephen Ray Thomas

August 29, 1950 – December 23, 2025.

Stephen Ray Thomas died on December 23, 2025, outdoors on the family farm he loved so much. He was born on August 29, 1950 in Lee County, North Carolina, the oldest son of J. W. Thomas, Jr. and Elizabeth Glosson Thomas. He graduated from Pittsboro High School in 1969 and later received an associate degree from Central Carolina Technical College. He served active duty in the United States Army from 1973 to 1975. He was a licensed general contractor in North Carolina and was president of S. R. Thomas Grading, Inc., which he founded in 1982.  His company contributed greatly to the success of many building projects in the greater Triangle area.

He is survived by his beloved partner of many years, Louise Greenstock, of Moncure; daughter Laura Thomas Lutterloh (Charles) of Pittsboro; sister Sherry Thomas Knepper (Donald) of Moncure, brother Eugene Thomas (Barbara) of Magnolia, Texas, sister Judy Thomas Poe (Jerry) of Apex, and sister Jill Thomas Brown (Stephen) of Pittsboro; grandsons Mason Thomas Lutterloh and Charles Dylan Lutterloh; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by an infant son Jay Stephen Thomas, and Laura’s mother, Joy Thomas.

Stephen was a hard worker who took great pride in seeing a project skillfully completed. Having grown up in a large, closeknit family, he treasured the times he could be with family. He enjoyed leading the family farm into the 21st century, holding a newborn calf, singing in the church choir, Caterpillar equipment, and seeing others grow and succeed in the business and skills at which he excelled. He was an active, lifelong member of Gum Springs Baptist Church in Moncure.

The family will receive visitors at Donaldson’s Funeral Home in Pittsboro on Tuesday, December 30 from 5 to 7 PM. A funeral service will be held at Gum Springs Baptist Church on Wednesday, December 31 at 11 AM. Burial will follow immediately in the church cemetery. Reception of family and friends will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to be made in Stephen’s memory to the Northwood High School chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). Checks may be sent to 2934 Farrington Road, Apex, N.C. 27523, payable to “Northwood FFA”.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Thomas family.