Dr. John K. Thomas

John Kyle Thomas, Ph.D., died at his home on March 12, 2013. Born November 30, 1952 in Memphis, Tennessee, John grew up in Bristol, earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Austin Peay State University, and completed his PhD at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He was a Professor of history at Roane State Community College, where he was beloved by students and colleagues alike and known for his brilliant lectures, his quick wit, and his dapper fashion sense. A man with many interests, John especially loved movies ("The Wizard of Oz" and "Field of Dreams" were his all-time favorites) and baseball (The Baltimore Orioles). He could also grill a mean steak and loved a good book, a good cup of coffee, and classic rock 'n roll. He was a devoted husband, teacher, brother, son, and friend who will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched. John was preceded in death by his father, Ola Thomas, Jr., stepfather Bob Neal, and stepbrother Larry Neal. He is survived by his beloved wife of thirty years, Lisa Gallamore Thomas; mother Nancy Thomas Neal of Bristol, VA; sister Jan Burris (Randy) of Salisbury, NC; stepsisters Leigh Neal of Johnson City, TN, Susan Neal (Teri) of Surfside Beach, SC, and Janet Neal of Knoxville, TN; father- and mother-in-law B.J. and Polly Gallamore of Paris, TN; brother-in-law Michael Gallamore (Beckey) of King George, VA; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and colleagues. John's memory will be celebrated at Smith East Hall in Maryville, TN on Saturday, March 23rd. The receiving of friends will begin at 1:00 p.m. and the memorial service at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Smoky Mountain Animal Care Foundation (P.O. Box 7218, Maryville, TN 37802) or the Roane State Foundation (276 Patton Lane, Harriman, TN 37748) to support the Roane State library. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithMaryville.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dr. John K. Thomas please visit our Sympathy Store.