Ben Spears Thomas

December 3, 1957 – March 6, 2021

Ben Spears Thomas, cherished friend, father and husband, born Dec. 3, 1957, completed his life’s journey Saturday, March 6, 2021, in his Mooresville home. Ben passed suddenly and unexpectedly during a cardiac arrest.

He is survived by his loving mother, Ann McClain; brother and sister, Liza Stevens and Scott Thomas; wife and soulmate, Angela McConnell and his two children, who were his pride and joy, Mary Taylor Thomas and Will Thomas.

Ben although born in Memphis, Tenn., grew up and called Baton Rouge, La., home. He attended Lee High School before enrolling at Louisiana State University, the college where both of his children currently study. Ben bled purple and gold, and every Saturday you could find him and his children cheering the Tigers to victory. Although Ben feared he had gotten his children hooked on LSU football at a young age, it brought him much pride and joy to see Mary Taylor and Will, continue his legacy at his alma mater. At LSU, Ben was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Science.

After college, Ben worked for a short period on the River Bend Project, where he honed his people skills by calling on state and local representatives. Ben then explored his passion for law, and graduated from Louisiana State University’s Law School in 1989. After law school, Ben followed his mother to Mooresville, where she had moved after her marriage with Bill McClain. Bill was an important member of the Mooresville community, and Ben used him as a mentor and an idol.

Ben met his wife, Angela, at a Habitat for Humanity meeting, and their love quickly blossomed. Ben was known to date many girls at once, but when he met Angela, he had found his soulmate. Not only was Ben a great husband and father, he was a self-described Renaissance man. Ben was an avid scuba diver, pilot, sailor and world traveler, and could often be seen flying his seaplane around Lake Norman. His greatest joy was being able to take his family on all of his adventures with him.

In the Mooresville community, Ben created a successful real estate law practice, which is now succeeded by his partner, Tiffany Webber. Ben often called Tiffany, and her husband, Ryan Webber, his second children or “the kids,” and he loved them dearly. Ben saw many of his same characteristics, and an immense drive, in Tiffany, and was proud that he would one day retire and use her as his attorney. Ben was also the past Local Director of the Catawba Valley Bank, past Local Director of Bank of Iredell, past President of the Mooresville Rotary Club, past Membership Development Vice President of the Mooresville/South Iredell Chamber of Commerce, past Vice President of Habitat for Humanity, past Director of the Mooresville YMCA, past President and Board Member of the Mooresville/South Iredell United Way and the past Director of the Rotary STARS Program.

Ben was often seen as a larger-than-life figure in the local community. He always had a keen ability to keep everyone on their toes, he would light up a room with laughter. Ben was also immensely generous, and he never met a stranger. His ability to see past differences, keep an open mind, give everyone the benefit of the doubt and never hold a grudge are traits that everyone who knew him aspire to emulate. Although Ben is no longer here with us, his legacy will be passed down for generations within his friends, family and the entire Mooresville Community.

Education

  • Louisiana State University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; 1989, Doctor of Jurisprudence
  • Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA; 1981, Bachelor of Science, Kappa Alpha Order

Admitted to Practice

  • North Carolina, 1989
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of North Carolina, 1989

Professional Affiliations and Community Involvement

  • American Bar Association; 1989 – Present
  • North Carolina Bar Association; 1989 – Present
  • North Carolina Advocates for Justice (formerly North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers);   1994 – Present
  • Catawba Valley Bank, Past Local Director
  • Bank of Iredell, Past Local Director
  • Mooresville Rotary Club, Past President
  • Mooresville/South Iredell Chamber of Commerce; Member, Past Membership Development Vice President
  • Habitat for Humanity; Past Vice President
  • Mooresville YMCA; Past Director
  • Mooresville/South Iredell United Way; Past President and Board Member
  • Rotary STARS Program, Past Director
The Mayor of Mooresville Pronounces March 12, 2021 “Ben Thomas Purple and Gold Day”

What the Community Has to Say About Ben

“All of Mooresville and the surrounding area saddened with this incredible loss to the community and the Thomas family- many prayers, hugs and tears…”

Sending prayers of love to Ben’s family. I worked often with Ben and he was an outstanding attorney and even a better person. I remember on several occasions Ben giving advice to my buyers on life issues like volunteering and playing match maker. He really wanted the best for others I pray you feel the peace that only can come from God. We lost a truly great man and Heaven gained an angel.

“What a tremendous loss. Ben took a genuine interest in everyone that sat down at the table with him. He will certainly be missed. Heartfelt love and prayers to the Thomas family and his extended family at T&W.”

“I don’t want this to be true. How devastating for all. Closings with Ben were always so much fun and never boring. He always took time to get to know the people around the table and made sure any questions were answered…as busy as he was he never made us feel rushed. My heart breaks for his family and his work family. Praying 🙏 for all.”

“So saddened and shocked to hear this. Ben was such a great man with a heart of pure gold. He truly would light up any room he walked into. Heaven gained a wonderful angel. Will be praying for his family, work family and all who knew and loved him. 🙏🏻

“I am so sorry to his family and to the TGG family for your loss. I will always be grateful to Ben for the opportunities he gave me. Our community has lost a good man with a big heart.”

“The real estate community has lost one of the best. Ben was an amazing man, friend, and colleague. He was an amazing storyteller and made everyone he met feel like an immediate friend. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and the entire Thomas & Webber family.”

“Oh so so very sorry and so very sad. Ben was always so upbeat and so efficient.. always a great story. He will be greatly missed. What a presence he was . Just shocking. Much love to all at the office and to his dear family and children. ❤️🙏😢

“Absolutely devastating loss of a true legacy, Ben was an amazing guy, always helpful and giving of his time and expertise. My heart is broken for his family. 💔

“So sad to hear the news yesterday. What a huge loss to the real estate and mortgage community. Gone way to soon. Always enjoyed his humor at the closing table. RIP my friend. Prayers to Angela, kids, family and office of Thomas and Webber.”