Robert F. Thomas

Robert F. Thomas, 83, passed away on May 22, 2016 in Knoxville, TN after a lengthy struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was born on October 18, 1932 in Valley Creek, TN to Fred and Nelle (Chumley) Thomas. Bob grew up in Valley Creek and Pruden, a coal mining community on the Kentucky/Tennessee state line. He graduated from Harrison Chilhowee (now Kings Academy) in Seymour, TN in 1951. After high school he attended Cumberland College (now University of the Cumberland’s) in Williamsburg, KY. After 2 years in the Army Bob returned to Knoxville and graduated from Carson-Newman University in 1958 earning a BS in Accounting. He worked for Tennessee Armature & Electric Company/Associated Electrical Contractors for 38 years as Treasurer, CFO and was President prior to retirement in 1996.Bob married Katherine Cook Thomas in 1956 in Knoxville, TN. They were happily married for almost 60 years. Bob was a long time deacon and member of Central Baptist Church of Fountain City. He was a member of the Knoxville Civitan Club and a former member of the Knoxville Quarterback Club. Bob enjoyed playing and watching all kinds of sports throughout his life and in earlier years played on Tennessee Armature’s bowling & softball teams and he played golf & tennis into retirement. He was also an avid University of Tennessee sports fan. Bob and Katherine enjoyed traveling and cruised over 30 times to many parts of the world. Bob is survived by his wife, Katherine; daughters, Mary Beth (Tim) Blair of Knoxville and Carole Sue Thomas of Miami, FL; son, Robert S. Thomas (Kimberly) of Knoxville; grandson, Jeffrey T. Blair of Bristol, TN; granddaughter, Sara E. Blair of Atlanta; and brother, Dr. Michael C. Thomas of Memphis. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Anne Thomas. A visitation will be held at Rose Mortuary on Tuesday, May 24 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm and on Wednesday May 25 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm with a celebration of life service at 2:00 pm with Rev Ron Mouser and Dr. Mike Smith officiating. Music by Rev Bob Robinson. Private Interment will follow at Lynnhurst Cemetery. The Molders Sunday School class will be honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Central Baptist Church Fountain City - Build a Strong Foundation, www.cbcfc.org/give or 5364 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37918. The online obituary may be viewed and condolences made at www.rosemortuary.com

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Robert F. Thomas

October 18, 1932 - May 22, 2016