Cecil Thomas

Mr. Cecil Wayne Thomas, age 89 of Brentwood, TN, formerly of Cadiz, KY and Chattanooga, TN passed away May 30, 2016. Born in Fredonia, KY to the late William Robert & Emma Rogers Thomas, he grew up on a large farm in Trigg County, Kentucky where he learned his never ending work ethic, love of family and compassion for the less fortunate. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and upon graduation from the College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky he began his career with the Tennessee Valley Authority in 1959. He spent his entire professional career with TVA in their Chattanooga Tennessee office. Throughout his career, Cecil was devoted to designing and supplying transmission lines to serve the entire TVA system. A former President of Chattanooga Engineers Association, Cecil retired from TVA in 1987 serving in the capacity of Head Civil Engineer. While he enjoyed his time with TVA he was more appreciative of the opportunities his career afforded him to devote and provide for his true passion, his family. A former pilot and member of the Moccasin Flying Club in Chattanooga his other interests included golf, bridge and all things related to the University of Kentucky Athletic Department. He also took great pride in being the first of three generations to graduate from UK. In retirement he contracted with FEMA where he was able to provide assistance to those devastated by natural disasters such as Hurricanes Andrew and Hugo. He also volunteered as a guide at TVA's Raccoon Mountain power station where he was able to explain to guests the many intricacies of the unique facility. He was very active member of First Centenary United Methodist Church in Chattanooga. His greatest enjoyment in life was the care and nurturing of his four grandchildren. A member of the Lookout Mountain Golf and Country Club, he achieved his goal of shooting his age in his late 70s and early 80s. He and his wife, Reva, were also active in the Southern Seniors Golf Association and took many golf trips throughout the country with close friends from Chattanooga. Preceded in death by his brothers, Harlan, Chuck, Howell and John R. Thomas; sisters, Mary Jones and Eunice Thomas. Survived by his wife of 68 years, Reva Riggin Thomas of Brentwood, TN; son, Roger (Teresa) Thomas of Brentwood, TN; daughter, Dr. Anita Thomas of Winston Salem, NC; grandchildren, Caitlin (Andrew) Daly, Megan Thomas, Scott Heston and Lauren Thomas. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00AM Thursday, June 2, 2016 with visitation one hour prior to the service at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, Jim Taylor officiating. Graveside services with military honors will be 2:00PM Thursday at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. Family and Friends will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to the Alzheimer's Association alz.org WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 615-794-2289. www.williamsonmemorial.com

Visitation Details

Thursday, June 2nd, 2016 10:00am - 11:00am, Williamson Memorial Funeral Home

Service Information

Thursday, June 2nd, 2016 11:00am, Williamson Memorial Funeral Home

Interment Details

Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery