Anthony Norman Thomas

Anthony Norman Thomas, lovingly known as "Tony," was born on December 23, 1958, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and departed this life on December 17, 2024, at the age of 65, as a resident of Broadway, North Carolina. Tony grew up on Richardson Road in Middletown, Pennsylvania, surrounded by the wholesome community of his family and friends. His early education at Seven Sorrows School was shared with his older sister, Shari, and younger brother, Daryl. It was during these formative years that Tony began to develop his skills and talents in music, sports, academics, and building meaningful relationships, many of which continued into his high school years.

In 1972, Tony transitioned to Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he further honed his musical talents as a lead tenor in the Madrigal Choir. He also excelled athletically, serving as the leading varsity running back for two years. Tony loved playing football for the "McDevitt Crusaders," setting several rushing records that stood for years into the early 1980s.

After high school, Tony attended Kutztown State College to begin his collegiate journey. He later moved to California, where he met his future wife, Maggie. Upon returning to Pennsylvania he married Maggie and continued his education at Harrisburg Area Community College while working as a pharmaceutical sales representative for Hoechst-Roussel Pharmaceuticals. His successful sales career provided the foundation for supporting his young family.

Tony's aspiration to become an attorney led him to enroll at Penn State University's Dickinson School of Law. His early academic achievements earned him several scholarships, which supported his education through graduation. Tony graduated with honors, earning his Juris Doctor degree, and began his legal career as an associate attorney at McNees, Wallace, and Nurick in Harrisburg.

After several years at the firm, Tony was inspired to establish his own practice, appropriately named "Thomas and Associates." His firm was dedicated to helping clients with criminal and civil cases, offering them not only legal expertise but also spiritual guidance with "God by their side." Many in the Harrisburg area benefited from Tony's dedication and his ability to positively impact their lives through his work.

Tony's faith was a cornerstone of his life. His devotion to teaching and spreading the Word of God led him to become an ordained minister with the Church of God in Christ. He received his ministerial blessing at Shiloh Church of God in Christ in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. As a minister, he seamlessly blended his legal skills with his God-inspired mission to help those in need. He served as the assistant pastor at Perfectly Whole Christian Center in Harrisburg.

In 2008, Tony moved to North Carolina to pursue new opportunities. He secured a role as legal counsel at Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) in Durham, North Carolina, where he concluded his long and fulfilling legal career in 2024. During his personal time, Tony supported his younger brother's football development program, the Carolina Football Development League, where he led life skills sessions and provided legal guidance for the program.

Tony had a unique sense of humor, a love for bicycling, kayaking, and outdoor adventures, and a passion for karaoke, where his singing style was often compared to Luther Vandross. He was meticulous in all his pursuits, bursting with creative ideas, and lived life to the fullest. Despite his voracious appetite, his physique never revealed it. Tony was a dog lover, cherishing his pets, Sasha and Lexi, and was a dear friend to many in both Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

Tony was predeceased by his infant son, Brian Thomas; his father, H.Norman Thomas Jr.; his bonus mom, Gloria Thomas; and his bonus sister, Julie Wynne Russell. He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Thomas; his daughter, Charissa Christovale (Maurice); his son, Anthony R. Thomas, all of North Carolina; his mother, Shirley Knothe; his bonus father, Michael Knothe; his sister, Shari Lopez (Justo), all of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; his brother, Daryl Thomas (Traci) of North Carolina; his bonus brothers, Ronald Wynne (Audrey) and Stephen Wynne, both of Ohio; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral service Saturday December 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the C A Haywood, Sr. Memorial Chapel, 2415 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603. Visitation precedes the service at 1:30 PM. Interment will follow the service at Mount Hope Cemetery, 120 Prospect Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Repass 4:00 pm

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