Al Thomas

Charles "Al" Thomas, of Red Bank, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2014. He was 83 years old. He was the son of the late Charles William and Velma Tate Thomas of Chattanooga. Al was born in Chattanooga and attended local schools graduating from Central High School in 1950, where he lettered in football and baseball. As a young adult he played softball in the local commercial league. His love of sports continued over the years as an avid fan of the Chattanooga Lookouts, Atlanta Braves, Alabama football, and most recently discovering NASCAR racing. Al was a veteran of the U. S. Army having served in South Korea during the Korean War. After his honorable discharged he returned to Chattanooga and was employed with Southern Chemical Cotton, which became Ahlstrom Filtration, where he retired as assistant plant manager after 46 years of service. Al was led to Christ by his friend, Pastor Don Dunn and he embraced the Baptist faith. Al was a strong, quiet man who enjoyed life and loved his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Henderson Thomas; and a sister, Joyce Thomas Marr. Al is survived by a daughter, Carla (James) Hood and her sons, Elijah Faulkner and Cayden Faulkner; brother, Max (Sue) Thomas; sister and caregiver, Dana Thomas; nephews, Mike (Kerry) Thomas, Rick (Donna) Thomas and Clarence Marr III; niece, Karen Marr (Max) Smith; several great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins; special friends, Katy Hamby and Misty Hale, who always made him smile and last but not least his loyal Yorkie, Katie. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. John Cranwell for 35 years of excellent care and more recently Dr. Robert Berglund of the Chattanooga Heart Institute. The family will receive friends from 2-6 p.m. on today, March 30, and again on Monday from 12-1 p.m. at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, in Hixson. Funeral services for Al will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, at the funeral home chapel with Pastor Don Dunn officiating. Burial will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery. The family has asked that memorial contributions be made in Als name to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org or Parkinsons Disease Foundation at www.pdf.org. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com. Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.