Jack Ray Thomas

Jack Ray Thomas, age 82, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at the Mitchell House.

A native of Mitchell County, he was born on July 12, 1938 to the late Scott Thomas and Osa Jane McClellan Thomas. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Glenda Thomas; a daughter, Veneisa Branch; and a brother, Scott Thomas, Jr.

Jack worked in the maintenance department at Baxter Healthcare. He was a true people person who was always welcoming to all who visited his home. Jack was an adventurous man who loved exploring the mountains, rock hunting, and spending time waterskiing on Lake James. He enjoyed bowling and music, and he had a beautiful singing voice. Jack was a talented woodworker, and he received a Governor’s Award for being a master craftsman.

He is survived by his wife, Becky Johnson Thomas; a step-son, Mark Lyons; step-grandchildren, Kaleb Lyons, Ashley Gouge, and Carly Lyons; step-great grandchildren, Rylan Starr, Layla Lyons, and Araya, Benji, and Nash Gouge; two sisters, Ola Belle Canipe, Evelyn Ollis (Pete), and several nieces and nephews he loved.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Beam Funeral Service with Reverend Gary Greene officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the First Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Spruce Pine.

The family requests all who attend the service to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Serving as pallbearers will be Kaleb Lyons, James Gouge, Jason Justice, Larry Ollis, Peyton Rose, and Jay Davis.