Earnest Thomas was born on March 14, 1952, in Vance County, North Carolina, to the late Jordan Thomas, Sr. and Lugenia Kearney. He peacefully departed this life on June 13, 2026, at the age of 74.

Earnest was a man of deep faith who loved God and believed strongly in the power of prayer. He earned his high school diploma and furthered his education by obtaining numerous certifications and degrees in HVAC and carpentry. He was employed by JP Taylor Factory, where he worked diligently and took pride in providing for his family.

A devoted father, grandfather, and friend, Earnest found great joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren. He had a passion for training dogs, weightlifting, boxing, and singing. His warm spirit, wisdom, and caring nature touched the lives of many, and he was loved by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jordan Thomas, Sr. and Lugenia Kearney; his sons, Jordan E. Hawkins and Earnest A. Hawkins; his grandchildren, Jordan E. Hawkins, Jr., Michael, Se'quayeonia, and Ta'quaveonia; his brothers, Jordan Thomas II and David Thomas, Sr.; and his sisters, Ester Pridgen, Rosa L. Thomas, Ellen Faines, Hellen Davis, and Daisy Perry.

Left to cherish his precious memories are his children: Maurice Thomas (Pamela), Avice Burchette (Ronnie), Ricky Drumgold (Sharon), Justin Hawkins, and Aretina Hawkins (Lanorris); his siblings: Ernestine Jones (Claude), Bonnie Bryant, Harry Cheek, and James Cheek; his grandchildren: LaJorrius, Ja'nyla, Sha'myla, Ken'niyah, Ken'nique, Enusynt, Earnest, Jr., Akayla, Brianna, Egypt, Rikyia, Tyshon, Shameka, Jasmine, Jaquan, Kamar, Rikwavis, Ricquantis, Rickey, Jr., and Demaurius; twenty-six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.

Memorial Service will be held at Baskerville Funeral Home Chapel, 104 S. Chestnut Street, Henderson, North Carolina on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Baskerville Funeral Home, LLC is honored to serve The Thomas Family and words of comfort may be shared at www.baskervillefuneralhomellc.com.