Thomas Alva Philmon, Sr.

Thomas Alva Philmon, Sr., 87, of Hiddenite, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, October 13, 2020.

He was born February 23, 1933, in Pasco County, Florida, the son of the late Shellie and Alma Irene Jones Philmon.

Thomas was a US Army veteran, who served during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Alaska. He worked for the city of Dade City, Florida before moving to Alexander County. He retired from Burlington Industries of Mooresville in 1995.

He was a farmer for 50 plus years and loved woodworking, making things for his children and grandchildren. One of many things he built was playhouses for his children and grandchildren. Thomas, along with his family, was known for the homemade ice cream they made for 30 plus years at the annual Vashti Day.

In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Philmon, Jr.; a grandson, Christopher Payne; his bothers, Irvin Philmon, Floyd Philmon, and Layton Philmon; his two half-brothers, Herman Philmon and an infant brother; and his sisters, Wyolene Whiddon and Lillian Burnette.

Those left to cherish and honor his memory include his wife of 67 years as of October 15, 2020, Colene Goodwin Philmon; a son, Earl (Beth) Philmon of Cary; two daughters, Sandra (Curtis) Payne of Stony Point, and Sheila (Randy) Sweet of Hiddenite; eight grandchildren, Stephanie (Shane) Sherrill of Stony Point, Kelley (Jason) Pearson of Marietta, Georgia, Shelley (Kevin) White of Stony Point, Sharon (Chris) Watts of Stony Point, Shannon (Carl) Ritchie of Durham, Evan (Kim) Philmon of Apex, Darren (Lauren) Sweet of Taylorsville, Ryan (Michelle) Philmon of Charlotte, and Linda (Ricky) Josey of Statesville; step-grandchild, Alexander Doggett of Raleigh; 13 great-grandchildren, Justin Sherrill, Ayden White, Savannah Pearson, Owen White, Stuart Ritchie, Nyaomi Foote, Alice Ritchie, Mason Watts, Hudson Philmon, Sophia Watts, Alan Josey, Taylor (Will) Pennell, and Shayna Case; four great-great-grandchildren, Axton Pennell, Arya Josey, Rinsley Case, and Blakey Pennell; a sister-in-law, Jeanette Philmon of Covington, Georgia; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A service will be conducted at 4 p.m., Friday, October 16, 2020 at Adams Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Michael Carr will officiate. The family will have visitation one hour prior to service. A private graveside will follow at final resting place with full military honors accorded by Alexander County Veterans Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will include his grandsons, Darren Sweet, Evan Philmon, Chris Watts, Shane Sherrill, and Jason Pearson, and great-grandson, Justin Sherrill.

The family would like to thank the following special caregivers, Sammi Jo Johnson, Jesse Jo and Ryan Anderson, Sabrina Weikle, and Denise Rhodes for their love and care of our sweet loved one.

Memorials may be sent to: Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com.

Adams Funeral Home and cremation services is honored to be serving the family of Thomas Alva Philmon, Sr.