Richard Keith Thomas

Richard Keith Thomas, age 79, of Maryville, passed away Friday, September 2, 2011 at Blount Memorial Hospital. Mr. Thomas was a native of rural West Virginia with residence in Louisiana before settling into Maryville. He was a member of Smokey View Baptist Church and proud patriot and veteran of the U.S. Navy serving in the Korean Conflict. He retired from Union Carbide after 35 years of dedicated service and was an avid outdoorsman who loved trout fishing with a special gift for building excellent fishing rods. Richard was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Delores Jean Thomas; sons and daughters-in-law, Gregory Alan and Cynthia Susan Thomas of Ruston, LA and Jeffrey Ray and Donna Marie Thomas of Farmerville, LA; Grandsons, Daniel Alan Thomas and Benjamin Ray Thomas; many other nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends also survive. A celebration of Richard’s Life will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the Smith Trinity Chapel with Rev. Mark Martin officiating. The Interment with Military honors will follow in Grandview Cemetery. The family will receive friends starting at 10:00 on Tuesday at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 983-1000, www.smithmortuary.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Richard Keith Thomas please visit our Sympathy Store.