Mr. Purvis Edward Thomas, Sr., age 88, of Lumberton, NC, passed away on Monday, May 16, 2022. He was born in Lee County, NC on February 1, 1934, to the late Prentice Edward Thomas and the late Hettie Mercer Thomas.

Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by wife, Joyce Musselwhite Thomas; his brother, Rufus Lee Thomas; his sister, Allie Faye Jones; and his son, Purvis E. Thomas "Tommy", Jr.

He is survived by his son, Donald Lee Thomas of Lumberton; his daughter, Joy Thomas Lawson (Chris Lawson) of Durham; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Warfel Thomas of Durham; a sister, Joyce Thomas Broadwell of St. Pauls; his grandchildren: Erin Lawson, Jacob Lawson, Nicole Elam, and Greg Elam; and a whole host of nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends.

Mr. Thomas drove many buses for Carolina Trailways and even during retirement for Carolina American Tours. He earned the Million-Mile Safety Award from Trailways for driving in excess of one million miles without a chargeable accident.  Mr. Thomas was also a faithful servant and devoted deacon at Zion's Tabernacle Baptist Church.  As a longtime member of St. Alban's Lodge No. 114 in Lumberton, he was awarded the Veteran's Emblem in recognition of 50 years as a Master Mason.

The family will receive friends and loved ones prior to the service on Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 12:00-2:00 PM at Zion's Tabernacle Baptist Church, 3496 Tar Heel Road in Lumberton. Following the visitation, a funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM with Pastor Robert Jordan and Pastor Jeff Broadwell officiating.  Burial will follow at Gardens of Faith Cemetery, 5190 Fayetteville Road in Lumberton, NC.