Donald Ray Thomas Sr. age 80, of Greensboro, formerly of Broadway, passed away on February 8, 2024 at home with his beloved wife Hazel.  Early that morning, the clouds lifted and the Aurora Borealis ushered him to Heaven.   Donald Ray was born in Lee County on March 1, 1943 to the late John Ellis Thomas and Beulah Stewart Thomas McNeill.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first son, Donald Ray Thomas II. Donald Ray's career with Gulf Oil and BP Oil spanned over 35 years.  Donald Ray's spiritual journey was built on faith and the teachings of Christ.  He was a principled man of integrity, morals and unselfish kindness.  He was strong willed and stubborn, but he had an enormous loving heart and a wonderful sense of humor.  He was generous and giving and if you knew him, you knew it.  Surviving is his wife, Hazel Byrd Thomas of Greensboro, NC; Daughters, LaDonna Thomas Reeves of Randleman, NC and Angelia Thomas Young (Steve) of Greer, SC; Son, Donald Ray Thomas III. of South Carolina; Siblings, Jinger Gibson (Bill) of Sanford, NC ; Karen Thomas, of Broadway, NC;  Stewart Thomas (Penny) of Sanford, NC; Danny Thomas of Sanford, NC;  Ricky Thomas of Little River, SC; Grandchildren, Joseph Reeves of Pleasant Garden, NC; Erik Reeves of Greensboro, NC; Ryan Reeves of Ernul, NC; Devin Reeves of Randleman, NC;  Christian Brondell of South Carolina;  Dakota Thomas Solesbee of South Carolina; Brittany Thomas of Lexington, NC;  Josh Thomas of Greensboro, NC; and 20 great-grandchildren.   Go rest High on that Mountain Paw Paw.   The family will receive friends from 11:00am-12:00pm Thursday (2/15/2024) at Baptist Chapel Church, 2413 Buckhorn Road, Sanford, NC 27330.  The funeral service will be held at 12:00pm Thursday with Rev.  Alex Smith officiating.  Burial will follow in the Baptist Chapel Church Cemetery.  Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com  Arrangements are by the Smith Funeral Home of Broadway.