Kenneth Lewis Thomas

Kenneth Lewis ‘Kenny’ Thomas, age 81, of Little Buckhill Road in Newland passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

 Born on February 10, 1945 in Mitchell County, he was the eldest son of the late Monroe and Maude Trivett Thomas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers; Dennis and Sammy Thomas and his sisters; Janice Thomas and Bonnie Benfield. 

Mr. Thomas retired from Henredon Furniture Industries after thirty-five years of working in the cabinet room department. Kenny always loved being outdoors either deer or squirrel hunting and especially trout fishing. He was very passionate about working in his garden and farming. Kenny and Mary always did a lot of canning and loved sharing their fresh vegetables with the community, family and friends. Kenny was a member of Walnut Grove Church and he was a devoted husband, loving Daddy and very proud Papaw. 

Left to cherish his memories is his wife of sixty years; Mary Lipps Thomas, his daughter; Melissa Young and husband, Darell, one grandson; Keegan Thomas Young all of Spruce Pine, his brothers; Wayne Thomas and wife, Stella, Rev. Tommy Thomas and wife, Mary and Rev. Donnie Thomas and wife, Susan, his sister; Diane Garland, and sisters-in-law; Pam P. Thomas and Pam O. Thomas all of Spruce Pine, several nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Walnut Grove Church with the Rev’s. Donnie Thomas and Kurt Bomar officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Walnut Grove Church. Interment will be in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. The family would like to extend a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge and particularly Lisa Guinn for their wonderful care and concern of Kenny during his illness. Kenny’s care has been entrusted to Beam Funeral Service, Marion, NC..