Porter Thomas
Porter Ausbon Thomas, 80, of Ooltewah, Tennessee died at his residence, surrounded by his family, on October 26, 2014.
He was the son of the late J.D. and Ollie Thomas. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Odis, Otis, J.D. Thomas.
He has been a resident of Hamilton County since 1999, moving from Panama City, Fl., after 26 years of residency. He also resided in Fort Benning for 13 years. He retired from the U.S. Post Office with 12 years of service. Mr. Thomas was retired from the U.S. Army with over 20 years of service. He was a member of the American Legion. Porter’s family meant the world to him; he was greatly loved by all and will be dearly missed.
Surviving relatives are his wife, Shelby Jean Thomas, son, Don (Kelly) Thomas of Chattanooga; daughter, Teri (Rob) Hieftje of Atlanta; grandchildren, Cody, Megan, Kyle, Melinda, Makenna and Brian; great-grandchildren, Gage and Lacey. Brothers, John Thomas of Hayden, Al., Ricky Thomas of N. Port, Al.; sisters, Margaret Russell of Panama City, Fl., Gail Hill of Warrior, Al., Shelby Nale of Panama City, Fl.; Maxine Fikes of Birmingham, and several nieces and nephews and many friends.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, at Heritage Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jim Gibson officiating. The interment will follow in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with full honors. Pallbearers will be Cody Thomas, Kyle Thomas, Brian Farthing, Billy Nale, T.J. Griffie, and Juan Mendiola.
Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family and view the memorial tribute. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.