Clyde Mason Thomas
August 18, 1934 – July 9, 2026 (Age 91)
Clyde Mason Thomas, 91, passed away on July 9, 2026, at Novant Health Mint Hill Campus.
Born on August 18, 1934, in Anson County, Clyde was the son of Ray and Lucy Threadgill Thomas and grew up in Polkton, where he graduated from Polkton High School. He continued his education at Central Piedmont College before answering the call to serve his country. Clyde enlisted in the United States Army, serving proudly as a Military Police officer. He was honorably discharged after completing his service.
Clyde began his law enforcement career in Anson County, spending a year on the roads “picking up bootleggers” and learning the rhythms of rural policing. He later moved to Charlotte, where he joined the Charlotte Police Department as a uniformed officer. Over the next 30 years, Clyde built a reputation for integrity, steadiness, and honorable service. His commitment to protecting the community and supporting his fellow officers became the defining legacy of his career.
After retiring from the police department, Clyde continued serving others through five additional years of work with the Federal Reserve Bank, bringing the same reliability and professionalism that had marked his decades in uniform.
In 1953, Clyde married Ms. Mirriam Lois Tyson in Chesterfield, South Carolina, beginning a partnership rooted in devotion and shared purpose. Outside of work, Clyde found joy in tending his garden—cultivating the soil with the same patience and care he offered to the people around him.
Clyde is survived by his loving wife, Lois; his son, Lamar (Cynthia Gaither) Thomas of Valley, Alabama; and his son‑in‑law, Mitchell Hooks of Charlotte, North Carolina.
He leaves behind three grandchildren: Mirriam Nicole (Zechariah) Hooks Chaney of Mint Hill, NC, Hunter Thomas of Houston, TX and Landon (Kacie) Thomas of Jacksonville, FL.
Clyde was blessed with great‑grandchildren who brought him joy: Asher and Levi Chaney, and Allie and Asher Thomas.
He is also survived by one brother, Heath (Norma) Thomas of Peachland, NC, as well as numerous other relatives, friends and his church family at Idlewild Baptist Church.
Clyde was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Mirriam Sue Thomas Hooks.
Clyde’s family has given the privilege of caring for him and for them to the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service led by Pastor Ryan Michaud will be held at 1 pm on Monday, July 13, at Idlewild Baptist Church, 12701 Idlewild Road, Matthews, NC 28105. Friends are welcome to call upon the family at the church from noon until the time of service. Following the service, Clyde will be taken to his final place of earthly rest at Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road.
A man defined by service, humility, and generosity, Clyde will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former colleagues, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.