George Thomas Epes

George Thomas Epes of Graham was called home on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 to be with his Lord and Savior. Thomas was 93 born April 18, 1927 in Virginia. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and sister, Evelyn Vires. Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 72 years Evelyn Ladell of the home. A son, Ronnie Epes of Burlington. Brother, John D. Epes. Two grandchildren, Madison and Garrison and four great grandchildren. He was also survived by many nieces and nephews and his sweet little girl Winnie, his fur baby.

Thomas was a WWII veteran. He started as a volunteer for the Navy in 1944. He was called to duty two months later only to be turned down because of his weight, he was to lite. A few weeks later the US Army contacted him and off to Fort Riley, Kansas for basic training he went. Thomas was assigned to Mechanized Calvary Radio Operator and was sent to France and Germany, where he served with First Recon Company attached to the First US Infantry Division known as “The Big Red One” in Germany until The company deactivated in Regenburg, Germany. Thomas was then sent to Bao Tolz near Munich, Germany. He was promoted to Headquarters Special Service Troop to serve as Chief Clerk for the remainder of his time until his honorable discharge.

He then returned to Roxboro, NC and married Ladell and their journey together began. Thomas still served but this time it was food. From Rocket Grill to Hardees in Chapel Hill, then to Alamance County where he left Hardees to start his own business, TJ’s Grill until he sold the business and retired. Thomas loved working in his yard and doing things that people his age should not do but that was Thomas.

Thomas loved his faith, family and country and was willing to give his all to protect them. Thomas was a member of Bible Baptist Church in Burlington.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 11:00 AM in Alamance Memorial Park. Officiating will be Pastor David Jackson and Rev. Kevin Bunn. Public viewing will be Monday, December 21, 2020 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM at McClure Funeral Home in Graham.

II Timothy 4:7    I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Alamance/Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Rd., Burlington, NC 27215 or to Bible Baptist Church, 2733 Kirkwood Dr., Burlington, NC 27215.Online condolences may be sent at www.mcclurefuneralservice.net