Ernest Carson Klass

He was born on August 29, 1921, the son of James and Ulah Klass of Thomasville, NC, who both preceded him in death. He graduated from Pilot High in Thomasville. He worked in the shipyards of Norfolk, VA as a welder and then served in the Merchant Marines from 1943 to 1947. He married Betty Ann Surrett of High Point on October 4, 1947.

Kit was an avid fisherman and loved to farm but his greatest loves in this world were his family and the Church. He taught Sunday School for many years and also took an active role in the local church serving in various capacities.

Kit was a wood finisher by trade and began in the furniture industry in High Point, moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1958 and managed the finishing room for a company that made picture frames before working for and finally retired from Peachtree Door in Norcross, GA in 1987. He moved to Thomasville in January, 1988 and lived there until his death.

He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Betty of Thomasville; three children, Rev. Gerald Mark Klass and wife Rev. Dorothy Bowen Klass of Thomasville, Preston Matthew Klass and wife Linda of Plantation, FL, Melissa Klass Foote and husband Chris of Knoxville, TN, five grandchildren, James Allen Meissner, Amanda Melissa Marion, Lindsey Erin Hankla, Jeremy John Klass, and Lauren McKenzie Mullins, step grandchildren Braidee, Jordan, and MacKenzie Foote, three great granddaughters Madison, Carlee, and Ava, and three great grandsons, Tyler, Noah, and Ryan and two sisters Jewel Hepler and Opal Russell, also of Thomasville. He also leaves behind lifelong friends Ronnie and Patty Peacock of Fernandina, FL and their daughters Patti, Pam, Kathryn, and Debbie.

He was preceded in death by his sister Maxine Ingram of Thomasville.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Thomasville Funeral Home and a Celebration of Life will be held at Holly Hill Wesleyan Church at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, officiated by the Rev. Mark Mullins. Interment will be at Floral Gardens in High Point. Memorial gifts may be directed to Holly Hill Wesleyan Church.