He was born and raised in Marion County where he played football at Marion County High School and graduated in 1959. He received a full scholarship to play football at University of Georgia and graduated in 1963.
Thomas coached at Sequatchie County High School from 1964 until 1968, Red Bank High School from 1968 until 1971, Central High School from 1971-1976 and completed his coaching at Red Bank High School from 1976 until 1986. He served as Assistant Principal at Ooltewah High School from 1986 until 1990 and Red Bank High School from 1990 until his retirement in 1995. He also coached at Signal Mountain Middle School for two seasons, 1995 & 96. He volunteered at Ganns Middle Valley Elementary School 2003 until 2007.
Thomas was a member of White Oak Baptist Church for 44 years where he served as teacher, youth leader, deacon, choir member and usher.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Marie Runyon.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Wanda E. Runyon, daughter and son-in-law, Jennifier and Jerry Workman, grandson and his pride and joy, Logan Workman all of Soddy Daisy; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Harold Holloway of Jasper; nephew, Kenton and Susie Holloway and great niece Melissa Holloway all of Chattanooga.
Services for Thomas will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, May 22 at Hamilton Memorial Gardens with Dr. Tony Wilson officiating. There will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to White Oak Baptist church, 310 Memorial Drive, Red Bank, TN 37415.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the players and athletes from 1964 to 1986 that Coach Runyon taught and coached.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18