Thomas Crayton Stephenson, Sr.

CARY - On Saturday, April 29th as the new day’s dawn broke, Thomas Stephenson awoke as he always did giving thanks for another day. Though his body was frail and tired, his spirit was full of grateful appreciation to be able to draw another determined breath every second he was graced on earth. He lived his life thru the Lord and was ready to leave when the Lord called him into his eternal care.

Thomas was born in Wake County to parents James Maynard and Mary Ferrell Stephenson. He was educated in the Wake County School System and attended NC State University. He met and married the love of his life of 55 years, Linda Broadwell Stephenson. Thomas and his brothers established Cary Oil of which he was co-owner and worked there until his retirement.

Thomas is survived by his wife Linda, his two sons; Tommy (Betsy) and Paul (Kim). Grandchildren: Freddy, Christian, Julie, Brianna and McKenna Stephenson. Special Godchildren: Leigha and Jayden Wright and numerous nieces and nephews. Sisters-in-law, Bobbi, Katie, Lib and Emily Stephenson. He was predeceased by his brothers, Ben, Bobby, Harry and George.

Because our pets give us unconditional love and enrich our lives, Thomas will be especially missed by his loyal and loving dog, “Teddybear”.

Thomas was always ready to serve and be involved in his community and the State. Following is a list of his many activities of which he was a member:

First United Methodist Church, Cary

Young Men’s Bible Class

American Legion Post 67

Past Master, Cary Masonic Lodge #198

Past Potentate of Amran Shrine Temple

Charter Member Amran Shrine Temple

Associate Member Sudan Shrine Temple

Past President Wake County Shrine Club

Member of Shrine Order of Q

Member of Shrine Order of Jesters

Emeritus Board Member Greenville Children’s Shrine Hospital

Amran Ragtops and Sudan Convertibles

York Rite

Scottish Rite

Cary Chapter Order Eastern Star

Charter Member Cary McGregor Rotary Club

Member McGregor Downes Country Club

NC National Guard

NCSU Alumni Club

Thomas received many outstanding awards and commendations; but he was most proud of receiving The Order of the Long Leaf Pine (State of North Carolina) and the 2005 Mason of the Year.

Thomas had a love of antique cars and convertibles of which he generously loaned for weddings and parades. He really enjoyed fishing in the waters off the coast of Alaska and made several trips there with friends to fish.

Thomas was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important — the simplicity of living a life with those you love, but more importantly a good man.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to:

Greenville Shriners Children Hospital

950 W Faris Road

Greenville, SC 29605

First United Methodist Church, Cary

117 S Academy Street

Cary, NC 27511

Visitation: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Sunday, May 7th, Bryan Lee Funeral Home, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604.

Funeral Service: 2:00 PM, Monday, May 8th, First United Methodist Church, Cary, North Carolina 27511.

Entombment: Monday, May 8th, Raleigh Memorial Park and Mausoleums, Raleigh, with Military Honors and Masonic Rites, immediately following the funeral service.

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com