Eric Conley Thomas,60, of Locust, passed away Monday May 4,2020 at his home. The family will have a private service for Mr. Thomas.
Mr. Thomas was born March 18, 1960 in Albuquerque, NM and was the son of the Jack Conley Thomas and Peggy Carolyn Eddins Thomas. He was a retired Police Officer with the Stanly County Sheriffs’ Office and he formally worked with the Albemarle Police Department and the Locust Police Department. Mr. Thomas had a total of forty years working in law enforcement.
Eric is survived by his wife Pamela Love Thomas of the home. Also surviving is a son Derrick Jackson Thomas of Georgia; daughter Elena Thomas Dalton (Ryan) of Boone, NC; three step daughters, Amy Atkinson of Albemarle, NC, Summer Duffee of Charlotte, NC and Holly Brewer of Albemarle, NC; granddaughter Ava Dalton and a sister Carolyn Jennings of Alaska.
Captain Thomas is known for his wit, his stories, and his lessons on what you USED to be able to do in law enforcement that you CAN’T do in law enforcement today. More importantly however, Captain Thomas is also known for his law enforcement knowledge, always having a solution to offer or at least the person he knows that can get you a solution, and his willingness to provide guidance regardless of the officer you are or the agency you work for. I can without hesitation say with complete confidence that there is no law enforcement officer in Stanly County that is more respected than Captain Eric Thomas. That respect has been earned through an honorable career of serving and protecting the citizens of Stanly County, quality and ethical police work, and the unwavering willingness to assist other officers that represents the brotherhood of the job that we do.
Memorials may be made to West Stanly Christian Ministries, P.O. Box 27, Stanfield, NC 28163, “Locust P.D. Shop with a Cop”.
Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust is serving the Thomas family.
11 Comments
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Captain Thomas in the early 90’s as part of the Union, Stanly, Anson Drug Task Force. Eric was always available to help anyone and he will be missed.
Macky Goodman, Captain
Union County Sheriff’s Office (Retired)
So long for now old friend. You will be missed.
Pam, I’m so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family in this time of grief. Love you!
I have known Eric for about 30 years. From his time at the Sheriff’s Office, Albemarle PD, Locust PD and Stanly Community College, Eric was always the same person. Professional, helpful, funny and genuine. I most enjoyed his stories of the “good ole’ days” and of his escapades down in Anson County. Eric was a great chef to. Always grilling up some great food when we would qualify the Locust and Stanfield police departments every year. You were one-of-a-kind. I will miss you greatly Eric.
I am greatly saddened by this news. Eric was my friend as well as his Dad, Jack Thomas. He was a fine officer and we worked on many cases together. He was a loyal supporter in my campaign for Superior Court in 2008. Rest In Peace my friend. You touched my life in a most positive way.
I AM BLESSED FOR HAVING KNOWN OFFICER THOMAS. SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY.
Eric was a tremendous Officer and Instructor. He was so influential to generations of cops and had the best sense of humor of just about anyone I’ve ever known. We’re praying for his family and grateful for the time and knowledge he shared with so many of us.
Captain Thomas was our coordinator for BLET when I attended it at Stanly Community College in 2002. He was always the kind of man to brighten your day. I last saw him at RADAR recert 2018. He still remembered my name.
Jamie Grigg, Sergeant
Union County Sheriff’s Office, NC
Pam, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Pam…We are so sorry for your loss. Please know we are here if we can do anything for you and your family. Keeping you in prayers.
Elena, many thoughts and prayers for you and your family during this time. Saddened to hear of your loss.
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