Gene Thomas, age 86, of Newland, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 20th, 2015 at Roan Highlands Nursing Center. A native of Avery County, he was a son of the late Worley and Georgia Johnson Thomas and the husband of Rosa Winters Thomas who passed away in 1999. He was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Clara Thomas and a sister, Joyce Benfield. Gene was a US Army Veteran, having served in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. His main occupation was a truck driver for 50 years. In the early to mid 70's, he was Chief Deputy for the Avery County Sheriff's Department serving under Sheriff Bev Daniels. He also worked for a number of years for the Newland Police Department and was the past Commander of the VFW Pat Ray Post #4286 in Newland, a Post Chaplain and served on their Honor Guard for many years. He enjoyed being with his family and going to the beach.

Surviving are his sons: Richard Thomas and wife, Molly, of Newland and Ray Thomas and wife, Deborah, also of Newland; daughter, Janie Duncan and husband, Brynne, of Spruce Pine; brother, Terry Thomas and wife, Shirleen, of Virginia; 7 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 25th in Oak Grove Baptist Church. Pastor Ron Greene will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the memorial service at the church. Military graveside services will follow in AA & Shoner Johnson Cemetery off of Old Spanish Oak Road.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be made to the DAV at PO Box 698, Newland, NC 28657 or to the VFW at Pat Ray Post #4286, PO Box 516, Newland, NC 28657.