Ronnie Lee Thomas
February 2, 1940 ~ January 1, 2013
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Ronnie Lee Thomas beloved husband, cherished father, devoted grandfather (Taps) and friend to all is now at peace after a courageous battle with Parkinson's and Lewy Body dementia. He was 72 at his death on January 1, 2013. A love for life, you never saw him without a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He lived his life with devotion and love which he shared tirelessly with his family. He showed compassion for everyone. Ronnie enjoyed reading Westerns, as he always had a book in hand. He shared his love of music by singing in the choir at St. George's Episcopal Church. His whimsical humor and a joke for every occasion would leave you with a stitch in your side. There was never a kinder or gentler man with his caring touch, soft words and warm spirit, which would inevitable make your day brighter.
Ronnie was born in Marshall, NC and was the apple of his mother's eye. The fond memories he shared of running barefoot over the swinging footbridge to his house. He spoke of the swimming hole that cooled him off in the summer and the special bond and relationship that he shared with his parents and sisters. He never forgot these special times.
Ronnie met the love of his life, Marsha Hamlin, in 1960. The two were married in July 1963 and were married for 49 years. The love and devotion that they shared was a bond never broken, a love never to be undone.
Ronnie was extremely proud of his two children Katherine and Mark. He was always there to guide and pick them up whenever needed. He was not only a father but a friend as well. He loved them dearly.
His grandchildren Zachary, Connor and Madison were his pride and joy. Whether it was picking them up after school or taking them to Taekwon Do, he loved every minute. In his last years his time was spent watching them play, the love and pride could be seen in his face and eyes.
Ronnie worked for A & P and Ingles Markets. He retired as manager from the Ingles store on Merrimom Avenue in 2002. His employees and customers were an extension of his family. Ronnie knew each customer by name. He was a true friend to everyone. "Papa's Home" and at peace.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore Roosevelt and Vina Thomas.
He is survived by his wife Marsha Hamlin Thomas, his daughter Katherine Thomas of Asheville, NC and two children, Zachary and Connor Crain and son Mark Thomas of Asheville, NC, his wife Melissa Ackert and two children, Madison Thomas and Nitara Kittles. He is also survived by his sisters Shirley Cole, Winder, GA, Janice Roberts, Swannanoa, NC and Patricia Owenby, Fairview, NC. He is survived by his grandmother Lora Thomas of Hot Springs, NC.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. George's Episcopal Church, One School Road, Asheville, NC at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, with the Rev. Beth Darling officiating. A reception will follow the service in the parish hall. The family will have a private burial on Sunday, January 6, 2013.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. George's Episcopal Church, 1 School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806, or to CarePartners Hospice of Asheville, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.
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I remember being your friend at Ingles.. I was just an up and comming manager.. You have been an inspiration since I was a kid..I would hear your name and wanted to run a store like you.. You made it look easy.. But I know now, it was just your positive attitude..so thanks Ronnie…for all your accomplishments..you will be rewarded in heaven as on earth..lynn
My Deepest Sympathy. Ronnie was well known and loved in the Leicester area. He was an excellent role model and mentor for many teens that had the privilege of calling him boss and friend. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful man with us.
Sincerely,
Rene Carmack Brooks
My thoughts and prayers are with you Katherine.
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Heaven received an angel that will watch over you. Prayers for you and your family that God will wrap his loving arms around you and grant you peace and comfort.
Katherine, I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I am praying for peace and comfort for you and your family. May God bless you and keep you during this difficult time.
With Love and Sympathy
David Summers
You always made me laugh and smile. I will lift my red solo cup in your honor. God got a special angel.
My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family Katherine. Your Dad was a wonderful man and will truly be missed! love you
We send our heartfelt love to all of you in the Thomas family. Ron was a wonderful family man. Our prayers are with you during this time.
My deepest sympathy Katherine to you and your family. I know your father was a wonderful man and will be deeply missed. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dearest Katherine and Family,
How very orry I am for all of you as you have had to say goodbye to such a wonderful man. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Bonnie Smith
Mark,
My sincere sympathy is extended to you and all of your family in the passing of your father. I know he had been ill for sometime; however we are never ready to give up our loved ones. May God Bless you and each member of your family; and grant you the peace of the Holy Spirit.
Phyllis Lytle
Ron Thomas
What a Wonderful Boss and Friend You always were to me, I will never forget you…Thanks for all the fun times we had at South Forest Ingles, I would like to do it all over again with U & Cheryl.
You were the best…..
We will mlss ronnle very much. We loved him very much. Prayers and love. Phyllis and jim cole. Ronnie i will always be fleecy.
Uncle Ronnie was such a wonderful, kind man. We will miss him so, but I know his spirit is now free.
Ron enjoyed working with you for many years at Ingles You will be greatly missed by all who knew you May God bless and keep your loved ones in his tender mercies. Woody and Beverly Bumgardner
Katherine………I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I remember him so vividly from Ingles……always sharing a friendly smile and a helping hand. Please accept my condolences and know that you and your family are being prayed for.
Ron will always be remembered. I (Debra) worked for him at A&P on Merrimon Ave., and was so happy, to see him again,in the customer capacity,working for the Erwin Hills Ingles. He was well liked, wherever he worked. He will certainly be missed by many! May God comfort you, during this difficult time!
Marsha and Family: May God bless you all during this time. Just remember all the good times with Ronnie and it helps relieve the pain.
I remember Ronnie when he first came to work with A & P. He was still in high school working part time. This store was on Lexington Avenue. Even as a teenager, he was a great guy, always very friendly and helpful to all customers.
Haven’t seen Ronnie in a few years but would think about him and the other people that worked there.
Will remember you in our prayers. Hubert Smith
Katherine and family,
I am sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marsha & family,I had the privilege of knowing & working with Ronnie for many years.Ronnie always had a positive attitude and had a knack for making work fun.He will be deeply missed and loved by all who knew him.We have lost a good man.Our thoughts and prayers are with you & your family.
Mrs Thomas, Katherine, Mark and family,
I am saddened to learn of the loss of Mr Thomas. He was always very supportive of Katherine and the Sugar Jets! What a great fan and person.
My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you during this difficult times now and the next passing days!
I remember our days at the A&P and our friendship. We send our deepest sympathies.
Katherine, I’m so sorry for the loss of your Dad! You have my deepest sympathy. Your family is my prayers. Love you! Sheri Webb
Another sad day for our family , the loss of a much loved one . My Uncle Ronnie was a wonderful man and will be missed by many . I did not get to see him often but all of my memories are very fond . I remember his smiles and laughter , always . I am sure Mamaw and Papaw were right there to greet him into Heaven . Prayers and Love to you all !
Another sad day for our family , the loss of a much loved one . My Uncle Ronnie was a wonderful man and will be missed by many . I did not get to see him often but all of my memories are very fond . I remember his smiles and laughter , always . I am sure Mamaw and Papaw were right there to greet him into Heaven . Prayers and Love to you all !
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Ronnie’s sweet family. He was a gentle soul and loved by so many.
It has been an honor to have known you Ron.People like you from the old school, Is what working in retail makes life fun.
MS.THOMAS SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR DAD, YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHT AND PRAYERS.I’M BELINDA PEEK MAMA
Ronnie and I were good friends as managers of both A&P stores and during our years of working for Landy Laney with Ingles stores. He was a good man, a good manager, and was respected by all who knew him. He will be missed and long-remembered.
Katherine,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know there are no words tha t can comfort you right now but know he is at peace. I am sorry I could not be there but know you are in my prayers.
Leslie Ribot and family
To Marsha and family, I was so saddened when I heard of Ron’s death. But he is in such a better place. Always had fun with Ron at school and work. My prayers and thoughts are with you and the family. He will be missed by all who knew him.
My wife and I extend our sympathy to the Thomas family. I always enjoyed seeing this quality family. Ronnie always had a smile and kind word when we would go to Ingles. He will be missed.
Ron was a truly special person. I will always be grateful for the support he gave me when I was his assistant manager at Ingle’s on Merrimon. My career with Ingle’s really blossomed under his mentoring. I thought of him often during his illness. He will be missed by his many friends and co-workers.
Mrs.Thomas, Kat and Mark,
Mr.Thomas got me my first job at Ingle’s when it was on Haywood Rd. and Patton Ave.
I am sorry to hear about your loss but please know Mr.Thomas will always be with you. He will always be in your heart and many more that he touched along the way of life.
The road you had to travel in his last days were,I’m sure, most difficult to witness.
I took care of my Great-Aunt with Alzheimer’s Disease for 10 yrs. I would never take back the most difficult day/s for I learned moment by moment. Remember your moments, listen to your heart/s and know Mr.Thomas will Always be with you. He is Safe now and at Peace.~Angels R Among Us~
Much Love To All…~LuvNvrFails~