Edward Joe Thomas

July 18, 2015
Edward Joe Thomas

Gifts & Memorial Donations



Edward ìJoeî Thomas was granted his angel wings peacefully in his sleep on July 18, 2015. His final days were spent in his home surrounded by his family, friends, and his beloved dog, Kiera.

A native of Swain County, he was born August 4, 1941 to the late Lamar and Mary Manor Thomas. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, George, Andrew, and Elbert Thomas; and sisters, Ollie Williamson, Lucille Burris, and Mary Ellen Sawyer.

Joe was very proud of his 10 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. He would always tell his daughter, ìI just love people,î and that was evident to anyone who met him. He loved to make people laugh. He enjoyed cooking and playing golf with his buddy, Terry.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Nellie Cline Thomas; his daughter, Kerston Vaugh who he called everyday just to tell her he loved her; son-in-law, Brint Vaughn, who he thought of as his own son; granddaughter, Sierra Vaughn, who you would know all about the first minute you met him because she was the person who he was most proud of in his life; brothers, Vincent (Peggy), Gordon (Mildred), and Freddy; sister, Helen Harris; sisters-in-law, Amy Taylor ìSisî and Katherine Thomas; and a number of nieces and nephews who he loved very much.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Thomas Chapel Cemetery in Bryson City with Rev. Mike Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00pm, Tuesday, in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home and at other times at the home of Brint and Kerston Vaughn.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 75817, Topeka, KS 66675.


Service

Wednesday, July 22, 2015
12:00 AM

Thomas Chapel Cemetery - Directions
Galbraith Creek Road
Bryson City, NC

Visitation

Tuesday, July 21, 2015
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home - Directions
125 Orrs Camp Road
Hendersonville, NC 28792

Purchase Flowers

Subscribe to this Obituary

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • October 04, 2022
    JAT0eBEolLkLT says:
    wmZVLZklWAoo7jQjJUe8LWePN1p7FxuY9goFYOk9h9Oiagarpack99e36SOlju2aBTtAeotg1NjUu3m5HXne61R4CclCTW9i2yWP3YRKRT01RTK4BEX77gnylvbAIvqkzuqllV84E4XuoLEErKlFpXUf7mzTagAYiudId0gs15TaEePFEEHs

  • July 20, 2015
    David and Teresa Maynard says:
    Dear Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We enjoyed getting to know Joe and all of you. He will be greatly missed. Blessings, David and Teresa Maynard

  • July 20, 2015
    Kerry Patterson says:
    Nellie, Kerston and family, may God bless you during this difficult time. Candis and I are praying for you.

  • July 20, 2015
    Debbie Hollifield says:
    Praying for your family Kerstin. I am sorry for your loss.

  • July 20, 2015
    Kay & Rodney Orr says:
    Dear Joe... Thank you for all you gave in life. You meant so much to others and others meant so much to you. Thank you for all the love you gave to my son and our beautiful granddaughter. Your candle will continue to burn forever in memory of your smile and kindness. You will sorely be missed and always loved.