Thelbert, served in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954 and was stationed at Wright Patterson Field Ohio. Thelbert worked as a dental hygienist while in the service and loved every minute of his time there. If you ever spent much time with Thelbert, he would surely tell you about his time in the Air Force.

After his time in the service Thelbert came back to Johnston County with his wife to farm. Thelbert farmed or was involved in farming until his passing a few days ago. He truly loved working the land and watching his crops grow. Thelbert loved the idea of living off the land whether it was eating from his garden or cutting firewood to heat his home or greenhouse. Thelbert was a charter member of the Antioch Fire Department where he served his community for 57 years. He always supported the department even after he retired by helping at the annual chicken suppers, or by assisting with any others events the department hosted. Thelbert loved to fish at Lake Wendell, where he spent many hours with some of his closest friends catching bream and white preach. He also enjoyed spending time at the local store talking to others drinking a drink and catching up on the daily news around the community. Nothing was more important to Thelbert than his family and church. He was a long-time member and deacon of Creech's Primitive Baptist Church where he was always known to have the heat or air cut on before church and the doors open at church time. He will be truly missed by his family, friends and his loyal canine companion Belle.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Creech's Primitive Baptist Church in Kenly with the burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Parrish Funeral Home in Selma.

Thelbert loved his wife Nellie of 72 years; sons, Luby and Kendall, his daughter Jean and daughter-in-law, Lori. Stephen, was his only grandchild who was extremely special to him and he always loved seeing him come down the path to stay with them for the weekend. Thelbert will be truly missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Creech's Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, C/O Kendall Hocutt.