Arnold Granville Thomas

Cullowhee - Arnold Granville Thomas, 58, of Cullowhee, passed away Sunday, January 14, 2007 at the Memorial campus of Mission Hospitals following a period of declining health. A native of the Shelton Laurel community, Mr. Thomas attended Laurel High School, and graduated from Enka High School in 1966. He attended Middle Laurel Church of God. Mr. Thomas retired from the US Army in 1997 as a Staff Sergeant in the field of Electronics. He served in the Vietnam War and spent two tours of duty in Germany. Mr. Thomas was the son of Louise Thomas Boone and husband Jack of Leicester, and the late Rev. Archie Thomas. He is also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: Van and Viva Thomas; and maternal grandparents: T.M. Matt Wallen and Bessie Gentry Lloyd. In addition to his mother and stepfather, surviving are his wife, Kathy West Thomas of Guntersville, AL; son, Stephen Thomas of Huntsville, AL; daughter, Erin Thomas of Guntersville, AL; grandson, Braedyn Thomas of Guntersville, AL; sisters: Jean Thomas Middleton and husband John Woody of Cullowhee, and Patsy Thomas King of Leicester; uncles: Fieldon Gentry of Marshall and DeWitt Thomas of Moshein, TN; aunt, Pauline Tweed of Marshall; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral home, with the Rev. Raymond Cantrell officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hills Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Buncombe County Veterans Council Memorial Team. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.