Stanley Arthur Thomas

Stanley Arthur Thomas, 92, died at home surrounded by family in Asheville, NC on April 5, 2020. He was born March 7th, 1928 in Aikin, Minnesota to the late Harry and Lucile Thomas, the oldest of four children. After high school graduation, Stan enlisted in the National Guard. In 1949, Stan enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, Air-Sea Rescue Division, where he served for the next 22 years in tropical locations such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Florida. He met and married Lottie Faye Searcy while stationed in St. Petersburg, Florida. They were married 67 years, blessed with four children, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

After retiring from active duty in 1971 with the USCG, Stan continued working in civil service for the USCG in Saint Petersburg, Florida for several years. After retiring from Coast Guard life, Stan worked at Walmart alongside his wife, Lottie, for many years. Stan loved talking to people and even after retiring from Walmart, you could find him sitting on a bench talking with customers while waiting to drive Lottie home.

Stan was an active member of the Churches of Christ located in the areas he was stationed serving as usher, song leader, teacher, elder, whatever was needed. One Sunday at the church in Puerto Rico he performed all these roles including preacher since the other men had military duty that day. He remained an active member of the church throughout his life wherever he lived. Stan was a faithful, Christian servant who shared the gospel and brought countless souls to Christ. A devoted student of the Word, Stan strived daily to allow Christ’s love to shine through him towards all.

Stanley is survived by his wife, Lottie Faye Thomas, his daughter, Cheryl (Terry) Dove, his sons, Larry (Kari) Thomas, Richard (Cindy) Thomas, and Jeffrey (Julie) Thomas; his grandchildren: Melissa Dove, Phillip (Kourtney) Thomas, Christen (Brandon) Call, Ben (Mallory) Thomas, Evan Thomas, Jonathan (Nicki) Thomas, and Jenna (Daniel) Justice; his great-grandchildren: Hannah Maurice, Grace Maurice, Cannon Call, Tripp Thomas, Josiah Thomas, Beck Thomas, and Beau Call; his sister, Helen Olsen, as well as many nephews, nieces and relatives. Stan was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Gladys Elwood and Nancy Jacobson.

A celebration of his life was held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 8 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. A recording of the service may be viewed by clicking here. Private interment will be held at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

Stanley, Stan, Dad, Grandpa, Poppy and Popie–you will be missed so much but we look forward to seeing you in heaven as you welcome each of us home.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Condolence cards can be sent to Thomas Family, c/o Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian, 72 Long Shoals Rd, Arden, NC 28704.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Smoky Mountain Region Special Olympics, 320 Eldorado Circle, Seymour, TN 37865.