Edward Lee Thomas, Jr., 71, of Roanoke Rapids, died Sunday, September 5, 2010, at Guardian Care in Roanoke Rapids.

He was born February 20, 1939, to the late Edward Lee Thomas, Sr. and Ethel Harris Thomas.

Mr. Thomas served in the United States Army as a paratrooper.

Mr. Thomas is survived by his longtime friend and companion, Loretta Johnson; his son, Clinton Thomas of Richmond, Virginia; his sisters: Esther Moore of Brighton, Tennessee, and Ann Goodman, of Tampa, Florida.

A private burial will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made to www.hockadayfs.com.