David and Kate Thomas

With grateful hearts for lives well lived and a love that endured beyond this world, the Thomas family announces a Celebration of Life for David Arthur Thomas and his beloved wife of 55 years, Kate Thomas.

Kate passed away on January 3, 2012, at the age of 74, and David peacefully went home to be with the Lord on his 88th birthday at his home in Marion, Virginia. Though separated by years, they are forever united in the hearts of those who loved them and in the eternal promise of Christ.

David was born in Buffalo, New York, and faithfully served his country in the United States Navy during the Taiwan Strait Crisis. He was a lifetime member of The Gideons International, an active member of Marion VFW Post #4667, the Marion Kiwanis Club, and the multi-church Joyful Noise Choir. While living in Knoxville, Tennessee, David also devoted countless hours to the Ball Camp Community recreation program, positively influencing generations of children in West Knoxville. A man of unwavering faith, quiet strength, and generous spirit, David lived each day guided by God's Word, always putting the needs of others before his own.

Kate, affectionately known as "Grammy" by her family and friends, was remembered for her loving heart, unwavering loyalty, and gentle kindness. She was a devoted member of the W.W. Scott Senior Citizens Center, where she built lasting friendships and touched many lives with her warm spirit. She was a faithful wife, loving mother, grandmother, and friend whose compassion and devotion to her family were evident in everything she did.

Together, David and Kate built a home centered on faith, love, service, and family. Their legacy is one of compassion, perseverance, generosity, and unwavering commitment to one another. The values they instilled continue to live on through the generations that follow them.

David and Kate were preceded in death by David's parents, Carlyle Thomas and Claudia Place Thomas; David's brother, Dan Thomas; and Kate's loved ones who welcomed her into Heaven before David joined her.

They are lovingly remembered by their son, Michael Thomas and wife, Amy; daughter, Melinda "Mindy" Dyer and husband, Miles; grandchildren, John Thomas and wife, Whitney; Kara Thomas; and Kaitlin Golden and husband, John; step-grandchildren, Caroline West, Kathleen West, and Mary Jo Jones and husband, Clark; great-granddaughter, Everly Thomas; favorite nephew, Ross Flemming along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were richly blessed by their love.

The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers and special friends who faithfully supported David and Kate throughout the years with compassion and kindness.

A Celebration of Life honoring David and Kate Thomas, with full military honors, will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery. Pastor Don Thomas will officiate. Following the service, the family invites everyone to Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home for a catered reception to share memories and celebrate the beautiful lives, steadfast love, and cherished legacy of David and Kate. In keeping with their Volunteer spirit, guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Tennessee orange.

Though they are deeply missed, their family finds comfort in knowing they have been reunited in the presence of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, where love never ends.