Robbie Wills Thomas

Robbie Thomas, age 85, a long-time resident of the Skyland community, passed away Thursday at The Elizabeth House in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Robbie grew up in Hot Springs, North Carolina. She and her husband of 63 years, James Donald Thomas, made their permanent home in the Asheville area. Robbie retired from Turnamics after a long career as a machinist technician, but her passion and legacy will undoubtedly stand out to be her love of family and her children. Her nurturing care, true appreciation for the beauty of flowers, and a tenacious work ethic made the house her family lived in a “home”. Her avid love of reading was present throughout her life as well as cooking and baking.

Survivors include her husband, James Donald Thomas; a son, Kenneth Donald Thomas and wife Carolyn Thomas of Fairview; a daughter, Judy Thomas Grant and husband Tom Grant of Atlanta; two special grandchildren, Alaina Grant and Jackson Grant both of Atlanta; one sister, Mildred Owens and husband Mike Owens of Arden; nephew, Mike Parker and wife Cindy Parker; great-niece, Megan and husband Josh Penland; in-laws, Charles and Pat Thomas, Pat and Ted McCall; and special friend, Dianne Dirscherl of Fletcher.

Robbie was preceded in death by her parents, Berry and Belle Wills of Hot Springs; brothers, Pete Wills and Boyd Wills; sisters, Pauline Wills, Gertrude Wills, and Myrtle Schwing.

The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8th in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with funeral services to follow at 11 a.m. Pastor Robert Ponder of Skyland Baptist Church, the Thomas’ church home, will officiate.

Committal services will be held immediately following the funeral at Calvary Churchyard located in Fletcher, North Carolina.