Gene Gray Thomas, age 80 of Broadway, passed away on Tuesday (1/17/2023) at Transitions Hospice in Raleigh.  He was born in Lee County on May 5, 1942, son of the late Ernest Cecil Thomas and Zola Inez Thomas.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Inez Weldon and Rebecca Nordan; infant brother Mac Cecil Thomas, brothers, Halford Thomas, George Thomas, Nello Thomas, Gerald Thomas and "honorary" brother, Weldon Phillips.  Gene was an outdoorsman who enjoyed going hunting and fishing.  He retired from GKN in 2008 and was a simple man who loved spending time with his family.  Graveside funeral service will be conducted at 3pm Friday at Broadway Town Cemetery with Rev. Scott Yow and Rev. Jerry Parsons officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:45pm at Smith Funeral Home in Broadway on Friday.    Surviving is his wife Sue McNeill Thomas of the home.  Daughter, Jill Thomas Bruffey, husband Chris and their children Kristin, Ross and Lilly of Fuquay Varina, NC  Son, Kevin Gray Thomas, wife Jessie and their children Lea and Emma of Holly Springs, NC Sister-in-laws, Janice Thomas, Karen Thomas of Broadway, NC,  six nieces and five nephews.  In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials are made to Transitions Hospice, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.  Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com Arrangements were by the Smith Funeral Home of Broadway.