Rocky Mount –

John “Thomas” Coley, age 69, passed away at his home on Saturday, December 30, 2023.

Thomas was born in Norfolk, Virginia on March 16, 1954 to John Alvin and Alma Coley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his friend and former wife, Jackie Coley; longtime companion, JoAnne M. Farmer; siblings, Marvin Ray Coley, “Little Man” Coley, Obie Coley, Betty Ann Wester; and granddaughter, Chrislynn Painter.

He is survived by his children, Pam Rich and husband, Brandon of Castalia, Wendy Langley of Kansas, John Thomas Coley, Jr, of Rocky Mount, and Christie Crabtree and husband, Ricky of Roxboro; brother, Mark Coley of Rocky Mount; grandchildren, Faith and Kadin Rich of Castalia, Amber Byrum and husband, Austin of Nashville, Lillian “Lilly” Langley of Kansas, Jaden and Isabella Coley, and Steven Crabtree; great-grandchildren, Haydin, Addison, and Samuel Byrum; and special cousin, Mike Coley; along with his best fishing buddy, Kristin Finley; many nieces, nephews, friends and other extended relatives.

Thomas deeply loved his family and will always be remembered for the special nicknames he gave us, including “Bootlegger”, “Wendy Jo”, “Coot”, “Punkin”, “K-Man”, “Am-Am”, “Lilly Bug”, “TuTu”, and “BB”

A service to celebrate and remember Thomas will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, January 5, 2024 at the Chapel of Memories, Rocky Mount Memorial Park, 4454 Dortches Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC. The family will receive friends Thursday evening, 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Davis-Little Funerals, 2129 Lawrence Circle, Rocky Mount, NC, and other times at the home of Pam and Brandon Rich.

While floral tributes are appreciated, those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Faith Baptist Church, 42 Faith Baptist Church Rd., Pinetops, NC 27864.