Bobby Thomas passed away peacefully in his home in Hixson, Tennessee, on Saturday, March 30th, 2024. Bobby was born July 2nd, 1938, to Joseph Franklin Thomas and Lillie Mae Thomas in Jasper, Tennessee. Bobby was a lifelong learner who enjoyed reading and studying genealogy in his free time. Bobby enjoyed listening to music and collecting records.
Bobby married Johnie on June 14, 1959, in Selmer, Tennessee. Shortly after, they moved to Naval stations in Argentina and Newfoundland, where their son, Victor, was born. Later, in Lexington Park, Maryland, their two sons, Sean, and Steve, were born while Bobby participated in the Cuban Blockade.
Bobby continued his 30-year military career moving to Naval stations in Puerto Rico, Memphis, and finally Norfolk. Bobby retired in August of 1987, after completing three years on the USS America. Upon retiring, Bobby and Johnie moved to Hixson to be closer to family. He was a member of The Church of Christ on Thrasher Pike in Middle Valley.
Bobby was preceded in death by his youngest son Sean K. Thomas, parents Joseph Franklin Thomas and Lillie Mae Thomas; and 11 brother and sisters.
Bobby is survived by his sons, Victor and Steven, and brother, Samuel Jones Thomas. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Michael, Kasie, and Kristin, and three great-grandchildren, Michael Jr., Kaly, and Kylie.
Visitation will be held at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel in Hixson from 11am-12pm on Thursday, April 4th. Services will follow on the same day at 12 pm.
Bobby will be interred at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Bailey Avenue at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4th.
Any donations may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital in his honor.
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.
