Bob Thomas

Bob L Thomas, 76, of Albemarle passed away on March 25, 2011 at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, NC. The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 29 from 12-2PM at First Baptist Church in Albemarle, with the service at 2 PM. Burial will follow the service at Fairview Memorial Park. Rev. Roger Thomas and Rev. Harold McDonald will officiate. Mr. Thomas was born in Mitchell County on October 31, 1934 to the late Decatur and Pearl Thomas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Sarah Thomas; and brothers, Jack and Jim Thomas. During his life he was employed by both the North Carolina State Board of Education and the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shelba Jean Bartlett Thomas; son, Eddie Thomas and wife Rosemary of Albemarle; daughter, Debbie Bell and husband Ken of Knoxville, TN; brothers, Daniel Thomas, Bill Thomas, both of Bakersville; sisters, Lucille Howell of Mars Hill, Merle Wilson of Lynchburg, VA, Virginia Byrd of Bakersville, Louise Weeks of Rutherfordton; grandchildren, Ashley Howard, Stephanie Mayfield, Eric Bell, Michael Bell, Ryan Bell; and four great-granchildren. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Bus Fund, 202 N. 2nd Street, Albemarle, NC 28001. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Thomas family.