Henry Jackson Thiel, Jr.

Henry Jackson Thiel Jr. of Burlington, North Carolina, passed peacefully from this life and entered the presence of his loving Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, spending his final days surrounded by family members who all adored him beyond words. He was 88.

It was often said that Henry never met a stranger, as he always offered a beaming smile and a friendly conversation to anyone with whom he came into contact. Henry was born in Rockingham County and lived the early part of his childhood in and around Madison, North Carolina on a family farm. His family later moved to Alamance County, where he attended school and lived the remainder of his life. Henry wedded his high school sweetheart Peggy, and the two were happily married and shared all things in life for over 69 years. They raised a family, traveled to 26 countries and spent more than 30 years vacationing at their beach home in Atlantic Beach, NC.

Henry loved sports of all kinds and played football, baseball and basketball in high school. His love of sports continued in later life: He was an enthusiastic competitor for nearly 20 years in the Burlington Senior Games, even serving as an ambassador to the program, along with Peggy. He also played on Burlington’s senior softball team, which won the state championship. 

Henry walked the streets of his West Burlington neighborhood for many years with his dog Royce, and the two made many long-time acquaintances along the way. But of the many activities he participated in later in life, Henry particularly loved swimming. He visited the YMCA nearly every day even after turning 80, and earned plaques for swimming over 100 miles per year.

Henry retired from Sears Roebuck as an appliance salesman after a 29-year career. He was a member of Trinity Worship Center in Burlington, where he faithfully served in the food pantry ministry, Schoolstock supply giveaway and other ministries. He was a former member of Crossway Church where he served as Sunday School superintendent, on the Deacon Board, the church Building Committee and in the Seniors Joy Club for many years. Henry loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and truly lived that out by often telling others about his faith and offering a sincere ear of concern to those facing life’s hardships — right up until the end, even while enduring his own struggles as he faced disease himself. All who met Henry knew he had a heart of gold.

Of his many hobbies throughout life — including farming, tending to his large garden, playing sports and traveling — his greatest past time was spending time with his family, including his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Henry took pride in holding large family gatherings at his house, like cookouts in the summer, egg hunts for the grandkids after Easter Sunday service, and beginning holiday gatherings with songs, scripture readings and prayer.

He was an avid NC State Wolfpack fan, and for over three decades was a season ticket holder to football games. He was a history buff, particularly Civil War history, and was extremely patriotic with love for his country, the American flag, and all it stands for — particularly those who fought to protect it.

In addition to his loving wife Peggy, Henry is survived by two daughters, Anita Barefoot (Roger) of Burlington, Linda Allison (Monti) of Elon, and one son, Henry “Hank” Thiel III (Claudia) of Roaring Gap, NC. He is survived by six granddaughters: Anita’s two daughters, Nicki Brown (John Mark) and Tiffany Garrison (Walt); Linda’s two daughters, Emily Holub (Mike) and Natalie Allison; and Hank’s two daughters who live abroad. Henry is also survived by six great-grandchildren, sister Mary Lynn Ellis of Burlington, sister-in law Geri Haas of Roswell, Georgia, and one niece and two nephews. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry J. Thiel Sr. and Eva Lauten Thiel; one brother, Conrad “Connie” Thiel; and an infant grandson, Ethan Perry Allison.

Henry’s family would like to give special thanks to a host of caregivers from Life at Home Senior Care and The Harbor at Twin Lakes, who cared for Henry and served the family over the last three years.

Memorial donations may be made to Trinity Worship Center, marked for the Sustain Ministry, which provides food and other supplies to those in need.

A celebration of life service will be held Monday, March 30 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Worship Center in Burlington. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in The Café at the church,and a private burial will take place with family.