Alton Hill Thigpen's Obituary
Alton Hill Thigpen, 85, peacefully passed away on April 25, 2012, surrounded by family. His faith in Jesus Christ brought great comfort to his family, since they know he will have eternal life. One special scripture that was marked in his Bible was I Corinthians 15:51-55.
He was born on February 3, 1927, to the late Kirby Alton Thigpen and Alice Hill Thigpen of Pink Hill, NC. He graduated from Beulahville High School. He then attended NC State University and graduated in 1950, with a degree in industrial engineering. At State, he was a member of Sigma Chi and Tau Beta Phi. He also served in the US Navy from 1943-1945.
After college, he accepted a job with Associated Transport in Charlotte, NC, and later worked for the company in Philadelphia, PA and Knoxville, TN. He then returned to Burlington, NC, and served as Vice-President of Operations in the south for Associated Transport. In 1970, he moved to Kannapolis and became owner of R.S. Braswell Co. The company later expanded to include Bobcat of Charlotte and Bobcat of Monroe. In recognition of his business accomplishments, Al is listed in Who's Who in America.
Al was a member of The Rock Christian Church in Concord, NC. There it was his joy to serve in many capacities, including adult Sunday school teacher, deacon and board chairman. He also served on various other national church and denomination boards. He served as a trustee for Berkshire Christian College where he was honored to be elected as a Trustee Emeritus. He also served as director of the NC Christian Action League. He served on the board for the Cabarrus County Salvation Army where he was also honored as an Advisor Emeritus.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Rebecca Braswell Thigpen; two sons, David and wife, Sharon and Steve and wife, Laurie, all of Kannapolis; and daughter, Jennifer Thigpen of Asheboro. He had four grandchildren, Garrett, Kirby and Katie Thigpen and Alexis Crater. He is also survived by a brother, Mervin Thigpen and wife, Lou Ann; and two sisters, Betty Futrell and husband, Elwood and Arlene Cox.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8:00 pm Friday at Lady's Funeral Home in Kannapolis. Services will be held at Lady's Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday at 3:00 pm. Rev. Roger Barker and Rev. Roger Byrd will officiate. Entombment will follow at Carolina Memorial Park Mausoleum in Kannapolis.
Memorials may be made to The Rock Christian Church, 1005 Warren C. Coleman Blvd., Concord, NC 28025 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.
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