Master Sergeant, Stanley Dwayne Thomas, was born September 2, 1960 in Jacksonville, Florida to James and Virginia Thomas. The family later relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina. Stanley received his education in Wilmington, graduating from New Hanover High School in June of 1979. Stanley joined the United States Marine Corps in August of 1979 and faithfully served for 27 years. Stanley retired from the Marine Corps in May of 2006. Stanley received accolades while serving that are too numerous to list. He was a highly decorated Marine, and lived up to the "Semper Fi" Motto. He was a die-hard Las Vegas Raiders fan and always said each year they were Super Bowl bound. Stanley was a wonderful, husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. He married his high school sweetheart, Brenda L. Williams on January 18, 1983. To their union one son "Shannon" was born. Stanley was a great provider and always looking out for others. He had a good heart. He was preceded in death by his son Shannon. He leaves to cherish fond memories, his dedicated wife of 38 years, Brenda; his ,mother and step-father, Daniel and Virginia Foy, four sisters, Helen (Irvin) Ross, Denise Handley, Regina (Walter) Brown all of Wilmington, NC and Cyd (Fleetwood) Davis of Jacksonville, NC; one brother, Jasper Leon Anderson of Raleigh, NC; one aunt, Marva Beard of Hallsboro, NC; ten sisters-in-law, Virginia Davis of Richmond, VA, Queen Jones of Cary, NC, Fran (James) Jones of Leland, NC, Chris Williams of Hartford, CT, Beulah Carr, Eria (Linwood) Nesbitt, Joyce Williams, Gloria Williams, Darlene Williams, Doretha Williams, all of Wilmington, NC and Gladys (Daniel) Moore of Hampstead, NC; ten brothers-in law, Lee Williams and Harry Williams of Hartford, CT., Bobby (Doretha) Williams, Lonnie Williams, James Jones, Linwood Nesbitt, Irvin Ross, Walter Brown all of Wilmington, NC, Fleetwood Davis of Jacksonville, NC and Daniel Moore of Hampstead, NC; a special niece, Camita (Shawn) Morgan of Wilmington, NC; a very special nephew, Caden Eugene Williams of Wilmington, NC; ; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including special friends, Michael Scott, John McQuiddy, Gary Dickerson, Alonso Humes, Marvin Jackson, Fred Jones, James (JJ) Murphy and Linwood Johnson. Although Stanley made anyone he met feel special, I would like to thank my Quail Woods (Flushing Drive) neighbors for their support as well as our Marine Corps Family, New Covenant Holiness Church Family, Mt. Nebo Church Family, the Wilmington Sportsman Club and Deacon Willis Mitchell who always kept in touch with brother Thomas. Stanley will truly be missed. Graveside service will be held 1 PM today at Calvary Memorial Cemetery. Shaw FH

Published in Wilmington Star-News on Dec. 12, 2020