MATTHEW THOMAS Matthew Edwin Thomas, 44, of Hampstead, NC, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on March 4, 2018. Matt was born September 7, 1973 and raised in Hampstead, NC, graduating from Topsail High School in 1991. He attended Cape Fear Community College and Western Carolina University. He worked as salesman with ACR Supply Business Unit in the Wilmington Area. He is survived by his loving wife, Laura, and their pride and joy, son, Brooks; his parents, Wesley and Sharon Thomas; grandmother, Geraldine McGinnis; siblings, Jodi Thomas Daniel (Michael), and Chris Thomas (Mikeum); nieces, Sailor, Anna Leigh, and nephew, C.J; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Johnie Thomas, Sr. and Mr. J.P. McGinnis. Matt was an athlete with a strong will of competition throughout his life which unfolded with his long and courageous battle with cancer. Matt participated in the Topsail Baseball Club T-Ball organization as a coach for the Braves on which his son was a player. Matt had a vibrant personality that spilled over in his personal life and as a devout Christian touched the lives of many people. He had, as described by so many of his friends, an unwavering sense of loyalty and devotion to them. Matt's vision for life included hard work, a positive attitude and most of all a devout passion for his beloved wife and son. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at Andrews Hampstead Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 8, 2018, at Topsail Presbyterian Church with Rev. Kenny Chinn and Rev. Jake Young officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made online or by mail to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401. Condolences to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com Andrews Hampstead Chapel