THOMAS MILLARD, SR Mr. Thomas Omega Millard, Sr. passed into eternity on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice. Thomas was born January 8, 1935 in Wilmington, North Carolina, the fourth son of the late Fillmore and Lucille King Millard.

He is survived by his loving wife Ann Caruthers Millard, three children, Dianna Millard (Doug Pollard), Thomas Omega "Sonny" Millard, Jr. (June), all of Wilmington, and Lee Smith Millard (Kathy) of South Lake, Texas. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Dr. Amy Hawkins (Alan Thiessen), Ashley Lindenschmidt, Vince Lindenschmidt, III, Jamee Pollard, Lauren Millard, and Leslie Millard; four great-grandchildren who adored their "Great Tommy"; Dylan Thomas Thiessen (his namesake)Ryan Thiessen, Owen Thiessen, and Emma White. Additional survivors include his brother, David Millard (Billie Jean), brother-in-law Ralph Smith, II (Gayle), many nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces. Preceding him in death was his high school sweetheart and wife of 46 years, Gloria Smith Millard in 2001, three brothers: William Fillmore Millard, Junius Hayward Millard, and Luther Richard Millard.

"Tommy" graduated from New Hanover High School in 1954 after being a star halfback number "22" for the Wildcats. He later attended The University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He was a dedicated Tar Heels and Panthers fan, loved North Carolina history and genealogy. He cherished and loved his Southern Heritage.

He retired as Vice-President of Becker Builders Supply after 36 years, and then as Owner/President of Southern Connection Limited Building for 15 years. He served as past President of The Builders Supply Association, and member of The Contractors Association and Wilmington Cape Fear Homebuilders Association.

He was currently Deacon Emeritus at First Baptist Church and formerly a Deacon at Westminster Presbyterian Church and Myrtle Grove Evangelical Presbyterian Church where he was instrumental in their church plant of North Grove Evangelical Presbyterian Church while also serving on the building committee as an Elder.

In service to his community, he served as Vice-President of the North Carolina Exchange Club, President of the Exchange Club of Greater Wilmington, and on the Board of Directors for the Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Center. He worked many years on the NC Azalea Festival Patron's Committee. In later years Tommy was a member of the Wilmington Executive Club and past President of the New Hanover Cotillion.

Funeral Service will be at 2:00pm Thursday, September 27, 2018 at First Baptist Church. 411 Market Street. The family will receive guests prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 pm in the church parlor.

There will be a private entombment for the family at Oleander Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be Ralph Smith. II, Vince Lindenschmidt, III, Dylan Thiessen, Alan Thiessen, Bill Millard, and L. Richard Millard, Jr.

The family would like to thank Lower Cape Fear Hospice for their compassionate care Tommy and the family received during his final days and request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.coblewardsmithwilmington.com

Published in the Wilmington Star-News on Sept. 26, 2018