Birth Date: 01/03/1982
Deceased Date: 08/27/2020
Jonathan Lucas, beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, died unexpectedly on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at the age of 38. Jonathan was born on January 3, 1982 in Smithfield, North Carolina to Robert (Bob) V. Lucas and Denise E. Pilkington.
He attended Smithfield-Selma High School, was a 2004 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a 2013 graduate of North Carolina Central University Law School.
Those who knew Jonathan, know that he always chose to see the good in people. He had an amazing ability to extend grace to others, even in his darkest moments. He was compassionate, kind and brilliant. He fought each day to see the good in life. If you called or texted Jonathan, you could be sure to get a quick response and a greeting that made you feel special and heard.
Jonathan found peace when he was near the water. He loved the ocean. Fishing was his passion. He could rig any bait and taught many others how to do so. He started fishing when he was 4, caught his first blue marlin when he was 10 and won the Ducks Unlimited Tournament in 1996 by catching a 475lb blue marlin. Jonathan was a music lover. He had the rare ability to play music by ear, teaching himself to play the guitar and piano. He had a beautiful voice and loved to play the guitar and sing for his family. Those who knew him know he loved the band, Widespread Panic. He loved organizing jam sessions with friends. His voice and musical gifts will be so missed.
Jonathan was a deep thinker, who understood the nuances of politics, religion and society. He loved his country and cared deeply for its founding principles. He was a skilled political strategist and writer and had an opportunity to consult on many political campaigns. He was looking forward to casting his ballot this November and would encourage everyone to vote. Jonathan loved to laugh and always saw the humor in situations. He brought such joy to all who knew him. Jonathan loved his family and his family loved him. Above all else, Jonathan loved the Lord.
Jonathan is survived by his mother, Denise, and stepfather, Charles Pilkington; father, Bob, and stepmother, Victoria Talton; sister, Kelly Calabria, and her husband, Tony Calabria; two nephews, Evan and Liam Calabria; his beloved dog, Bodie and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will hold a private service on Wednesday, September 2 at 3 p.m., which will be live streamed from the Parrish Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
The family will then hold a drive-thru wake on Wednesday, September 2 at Edgerton Memorial United Methodist Church from 6-7 p.m. The church is located at 401 West Anderson Street, Selma. Guest should enter through the Sumner Street entrance and exit onto Anderson Street.
If you plan to share condolences with the family directly, they ask that you wear a mask when you roll down your window. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jonathan’s honor to the Billfish Foundation (https://billfish.org/memorial) or the North Carolina Nature Conservancy (https://support.conservationfund.org), two organizations and causes dear to Jonathan.
