Don Thomas, 80, of McCaysville died with his family in Raleigh, North Carolina on November 8, 2021.
Don was born in McCaysville on July 12, 1941 to Clyde Lewis Thomas and Dorothy Gilliam Thomas.
In 1960 Don met Barbara Mosley in the Blue Ridge canteen. They fell in love, got married, and raised a family. Don began his working life as an apprentice mason with the Tennessee Copper Company. He later moved with his family to Miami, Florida to work with his brother. In 1968, Don moved the family back to Marietta, Georgia to work for UPS.
UPS later relocated Don and his family to Savannah, Georgia, in 1972. After 12 years in Savannah, Don and Barbara moved to McCaysville where he worked in furniture repairs. In the fall of 2005, Don retired from Carpets of Dalton.
He spent his retirement years continuing to work with furniture, hanging out with his children and grandchildren, and sharing his expertise with loved ones. Everyone who knew Don knew that he loved the Lord and his family, that he was a righteous and devout prayer warrior, and that he was immensely proud of his grandchildren.
Don was a member of the Bethel Church in McCaysville, but attended many churches his entire life and was chairman of the deacons at Wilmington Island Baptist Church. He believed ardently in Jesus Christ, and his faith influenced those around him. Growing up in a godly home, he instilled a love for Christ in his family. He has left a legacy of blessings for generations to come.
Don was preceded in death by his Christ-loving parents; Sister and brother-in-law, Amelia and Bill Pittman; Sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy Mae and Powell Hoover; Brother-in-law, Ralph Seabolt; and brother William Clyde Thomas.
Don leaves behind his 58-year-old wife, Barbara; his daughter Angela Davis (Mike) of Madison, Georgia; his daughter Stephanie Ledford (Rick) of Murphy, North Carolina; his daughter Donna White (Chris) from McCaysville; his son Louis Thomas (Jessica) of Raleigh; his grandchildren, Jacob White, Chelsea White, Michaela Davis, Lauren Ledford, Bethany Davis, Avery White, Gracie Ledford, Sarah Ledford, Madison Thomas, Clyde Thomas, and Jameson Thomas; his great-grandson, AnnaKate Ledford; Sisters Ramona Seabolt and Doris Hartness (Ronnie); and a sister-in-law, Joyce Thomas. He is also survived by a large extended family.
Memorial services were held at Akins Funeral Home Chapel in Blue Ridge on Sunday, November 14, 2021, with Rev. Doug Payne and Rev. Joey Buchanan officiating. Jeremy Payne and Rick Curtis provided the music. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren served as honorary escorts: Jacob White, Chelsea White, Michaela Davis, Lauren Ledford, Bethany Davis, Avery White, Gracie Ledford, Sarah Ledford, Madison Thomas, Clyde Thomas, Jameson Thomas and AnnaKate Leford.
Expressions of condolences can be made online to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.
Akin’s Funeral Home from Blue Ridge was in charge of the preparations.
