Clifford Wayne Thomas

Clifford Wayne Thomas, 61, of Asheville, died Sunday, January 7, 2018. A lifelong resident of Buncombe Co., Clifford was a son of Estella DuQuette Wells and of the late William Ralph Thomas. Mr. Thomas was a 1974 graduate of Owen High School, was a former high school athlete, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He loved nature and gardening, and was a talented painter, especially of landscapes. In addition to his mother, Clifford is survived by his daughters, Claire Smith and Carmen Bullman; son, Kyle Thomas; sisters, Ruby Green, Dorothy Clement (Claude) and Grace Meyerhoffer; brothers, William Thomas, Jr. (Maria) and Fred Thomas (Linda); and several grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the Western Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery Chapel, with the Rev. Charlie Sams officiating. Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.