Thaddeus Stem Jr. (1916–1980) of Oxford, North Carolina was an American poet, author and newspaper columnist. His work frequently was published in the Raleigh News & Observer and The Pilot (Southern Pines, N.C.). He also wrote or co-wrote 16 books. The major works included (1960), (1971), (1973), and (1979). He was honored with the North Carolina Award for Literature in 1974.