William Roscoe Thomas, 75, died on Thursday, September 28, 2006 at his home.
He lived in Chattanooga for the past 34 years. He attended grade school in a two-room school house in Tullahoma, Tn. William sat at Warm Springs, Ga., with Roosevelt as they both dealt with the effects of polio. He acquired an engineering degree from Tennessee Technological University.
He worked for Douglas Aircraft and Redstone Arsenal and NASA. One of the "Moon-lander" parts he designed is still on the moon. More than anything he was a patient, kind, and loving husband, daddy, PaPa, and friend. He will never be forgotten.
William was a 50-year member in good standing of the Free and Accepted Masons, Tullahoma Lodge #262. Woodworking and So Fa Sacred Harp singing were his passions. He donated his skills and time to Siskins Children Foundation and to helping his friends when they were in need.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Alda Walker Thomas.
He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Delene Hudson Thomas; daughter, Beverly Ann Hamby, RN and son-in-law, Lloyd Howard Hamby; granddaughter, Lindsey Michelle Hamby, a sophomore at Middle Tennessee State University, and granddaughter, Lacey Elizabeth Hamby, a 6th grader at Hunter Middle School.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. CDT at New Prospect Baptist Church in Jasper, Al., with Rev. Delmus Anthony officiating. The interment will follow in the New Prospect Baptist Church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the East Tennessee Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, "Just for Lacey", 6701 Baum Drive, Building B, Suite 240, Knoxville, TN 37919, Phone: 865.544.0768 or 888-833-CURE; or to Adventa Hospice, 5959 Shallowford Road, Building 500A, Suite 509, Chattanooga, TN 37421; or to your church.
Condolences may be sent at www.heritagefh.com
The family will receive friends on Saturday at the church from 12-1 p.m. CDT.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road.