Elmer Jones Thomas, age 85 of Sanford, died Friday (12/7/2018) at Sanford Health and Rehab.  He was born in Lee County, son of the late Elmer Vance Thomas and Ollie Maddox Thomas.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Phyllis Thomas Matthews and his wife Mable Overby Thomas.  He was a Veteran of the United States Army.  Graveside memorial services will be conducted at 2pm Friday at the Shallow Well Church Cemetery with Rev. Garland Smith officiating.  Surviving is his son Stephen Thomas of Raleigh, NC.  Sisters Mary Post Loving of Sanford, NC and Marie Thomas Sullivan of Pinehurst, NC.  Brothers Arthur Vance Thomas of Salisbury, NC, Donnie Glenn Thomas of Sanford, NC, and Roger Dwight Thomas of Sanford, NC.  Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com Arrangements are by the Smith Funeral Home of Broadway.