Jeremi Wayne Thomas (JZ) was born on July 5, 1986, in Durham, North Carolina, to Jeffery and Yevette Thomas. Jeremi lived and attended schools in Wake County. He graduated from Southeast Raleigh High School in 2004.

From a small child to adulthood, Jeremi had an infectious smile and jovial personality that drew people to him. To know Jeremi was to love Jeremi…and he knew everybody! He was an avid basketball player and loyal fan to UNC Tarheels. In his younger years, Jeremi possessed a mean jump shot! He and his friend Marcus Judd were called the “Twin Towers” while playing on a winning summer basketball team at Method Rd. Community Center.

Prior to his death, Jeremi relocated to Roxboro, NC and became employed at GKN Driveline. Jeremi was a dedicated employee and quickly won the hearts of his co-workers and supervisors. Because of his tall stature and gentle demeanor, he was fondly nicknamed “Gentle giant” by his cousin, Aursha Drumwright, who was also a GKN employee. Jeremi was looking forward to his new opportunity at the GKN Alamance County facility.

Jeremi leaves to cherish his memory: his parents Jeffery and Yevette Thomas of Fuquay-Varina; his brother, Justin Thomas (Joi) and his niece, Xolani Lin also of Fuquay-Varina, NC; his grandmothers Eloise Thomas of Fuquay-Varina, NC and Blondie Torain of Durham, NC a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Public viewing 1:00 - 5:00 pm on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Trice Funeral Home Chapel 127 N. West Street in Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.

Visitation: 12:00 - 1:00 pm on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at New Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Fuquay - Varina, NC 27526.

Funeral will be held 1:00 pm on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at New Providence Missionary Baptist Church, 4813 Hilltop Needmore Road in Fuquay - Varina, NC 27526.