MOUNT AIRY — Mr. James Oliver Thomas, 78, of Mount Airy, husband of Mrs. Estelle Wilson Thomas, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2010, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem. He was born July 7, 1931, in Surry County to the late Rufus Garland and Allie Marshall Thomas. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during World War II. After finishing high school, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving during the Korean War. He was a retired U.S. postal clerk with the U.S. Post Office in Mount Airy and was a member of Fancy Gap Baptist Church. Mr. Thomas was a member of the VFW Post 2019 and the Memorial Honor Guard of Mount Airy, having served as president and chaplain. In 2001, he was awarded the North Carolina Distinguished Service Award by the Disabled Veterans of America. After retirement, Mr. Thomas enjoyed spending time with his family, playing golf and getting together with his breakfast buddies at Brenda’s Kountry Kitchen. Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Estelle Wilson Thomas of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jamie Thomas Cobbler and James Irwin Cobbler Jr. of Winston-Salem and Jennifer Thomas Lefevre and Gerald James Lefevre of Mount Airy; three grandchildren, Erin Leigh Cobbler of Durham, Nathan Thomas Cobbler of Winston-Salem and Caleb James Lefevre of Mount Airy; a sister, Margaret Dollyhigh of Dobson; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by four sisters, Arlene Beasley, Mary Smith, Clara Ayers and Doris Lovill. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 16, 2010, at Moody Funeral Home by the Rev. Wes Mosteller and the Rev. Dwight Sechrist. Burial will follow in the Midkiff Cemetery with military rites conducted at the graveside by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard Post 2019 Mount Airy and Post 9436 Pilot Mountain. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Saturday, May 15, 2010, at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.