William “Gene” Eugene Thomason
Published 8:44 am Tuesday, August 16, 2016
William “Gene” Eugene Thomason, 71, of Watauga, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, August 14, 2016, with his family by his side at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, following an extended illness. Gene was born to the late Dayton and Bessie Arrowood Thomason on January 26, 1945 in Johnson City, Tenn. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Wayne Thomason, Terry Thomason and Dayton Thomason Jr., and one niece, Barbara Owens.
Gene was a veteran of the United States Army, having been stationed in Germany. He retired from the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center at Mountain Home. He also owned a small engine repair shop at his home on Watauga Road. Gene was a member of Trinity Free Will Baptist Church in Erwin, Tenn., where he was known as “The Candy Man.” He loved to garden, cut wood, and work on lawn mowers and other small engines.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 20 years, Sally Thomason, of the home; two daughters, JoAnn Roberson and husband Mike and Misty Thomason, all of Elizabethton; a step-daughter, Angela Harvey and husband Tracy of Johnson City; a step-son, Billy Ellis and wife Jennifer of Bristol, Tenn.; a grandson, Jonathan Roberson of Elizabethton; two step-granddaughters, Alexis Wade and husband Gary and Zoe Ellis, all of Elizabethton; a step-great-granddaughter, Willow Reign Wade; a brother, Jack Thomason and wife Charlene of Cadiz, Ky.; a sister, Janie Cross and husband Gary of Bristol, Tenn.; a niece, Lori Hyatt; and four nephews, Terry Lynn Thomason, Lee Thomason, Gary Thomason and Michael Thomason. Several aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.
A service to honor and celebrate the life of Mr. William “Gene” Eugene Thomason will be conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 16, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Brother Ted Reynolds and Brother Andy Patterson officiating. Music will be provided by the Foster Trio. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service, or at the residence at other times. The graveside service will be conducted at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, August 17, at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Active pallbearers will be Tracy Harvey, Richard Lewis, Billy Evans, Bobby Pate, Pete Slagle and Dwight Rasnick. Chuck Hilton will serve as honorary pallbearer. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:40 a.m. Wednesday. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff of the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center for the love and care shown to Gene during his stay. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Trinity Free Will Baptist Church, 1221 N. Main Avenue, Erwin, TN 37650. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Thomason family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.