Harry Edwin Thomas, 96, passed away at McLeod Seacoast Hospital, Thursday, August 15, 2024.
Harry was born February 6, 1928, in Spruce Pine, in the mountains of North Carolina, a son of the late Dewitt Thomas and Willie Mae Young.
He graduated from Lee Edwards High School in Asheville, North Carolina in 1944 and attended Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina. Harry was a Veteran of the United States Navy having served his country on the USS Midway from 1946 to 1948.
Harry was predeceased by his wife, Joyce after 65 years of marriage, brothers; James and David, and sister, Louise.
Harry and Joyce owned and operated the Toggery Shoppe in North Myrtle Beach, and Joan Crosby Shop in Myrtle Beach (currently operated by daughter Kim in Charleston, South Carolina) for more than forty years. He was a founding member of the Rotary Club of North Myrtle Beach (1969), a member of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce serving as board chair in 1985, board chairman of the Horry County Board of Social Services and supported the United Way of Horry County and McLeod Seacoast Hospital Foundation for many years. Harry also supported Sea Haven for Youth for many years and served on the board of directors. He and Joyce were members of Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church, and he served the church in a number of positions including elder and deacon. Harry served an active role in the expansion of the church including President of the committee that guided the construction of the current fellowship hall and sanctuary. As a drummer, Harry spent a lot of his time playing Big Band Music with a group during the early 1950’s as well as jazz during the 1960’s.
Harry is survived by his son, Steve Thomas and wife Janet of Dunedin, Florida, daughters; Sandy Logan and husband Dr. Alexander Logan of Longs, South Carolina, and Kim Humbles and husband Dr. Frank Humbles of Charleston, South Carolina; granddaughter, Madison Thomas White and husband, Joe White of College Station, Texas; grandson; Grayson Thomas and wife, Dr. Sejal Naik Thomas of Jacksonville Beach, Florida; and great-grandsons, Tillman White and Anson White, both of College Station, Texas. Harry is also survived by one brother, John Thomas and wife, Dana Thomas of Neptune Beach, Florida.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers from Home Instead Senior Care as well as Brenda Crawford, who was like family.
A Graveside service will be held at a later date at the Lily Branch Church Cemetery in Bakersville, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church, 410 6th Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29582 or the Rotary Club of North Myrtle Beach, PO Box 823, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29597.
