Gene Ellis Thomas, age 68, of Florence, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday December 16, 2008 at a family residence.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday December 20, 2008 at 11 am in the chapel of Elkins Funeral Home with Bro. Donnie McDaniel officiating. Burial will follow at Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday December 19, 2008 from 6 pm until 8 pm at the funeral home.
Mr. Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Edward and Beulah Mae Schrader Thomas, and two brothers, Lewis "B.B." Thomas and wife Windolon, and Jimmy Thomas. Mr. Thomas was retired from Fortney Electric. He was a member of Underwood Baptist Church where, after his retirement, he served faithfully as a custodian. Mr. Thomas was a veteran of the U. S. Army, serving while stationed in Korea. He loved football, especially Alabama football. Mr. Thomas enjoyed woodcarving and was a master of the Rubik''s Cube.
Mr. Thomas is survived by one brother, John Robert Thomas and wife Billie June; one sister-in-law, Barbara Thomas; his nephews, Jimbo Thomas and wife Lynette, Chris Thomas, and Johnny Thomas and wife Linda; his nieces, Cathy Witt and fianc Dexter, Brenda Thomas, LaDonna Gamble and husband Reggie, and Jennifer McCutcheon and husband Mark; 15 great nieces and nephews; 2 great-great nieces and nephews; and special family friends, Tom and Gail Smith.
Pallbearers will be Mike Bishop, Keith Black, Billy Patrick, Richard Richey, Tom Smith, and P. D. Terry.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Eldercare Services and the Hospice of the Tennessee Valley.
You are invited to sign the online register book at www.elkinsfh.com.
Elkins Funeral Home is assisting the family.