Thomas Lee "Tom" Thrash
February 14, 1931 ~ February 9, 2025
Born in:
Buncombe Co., NC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Thomas Lee “Tom” Thrash died February 9, 2025. He was born February 14, 1931 in Buncombe County, NC to the late Louis Dale Thrash, Sr. and Mary Reeves Thrash. He was also predeceased by a daughter, Miranda Thrash Messer, a brother, Louis Dale Thrash, Jr., and a sister, Mary Thrash Boyd.
Tom graduated from Sand Hill High School and NC State University with a degree in Forestry. His career included: the US Forest Service, where he coordinated an Outdoor Recreation Resource Review for the National Forests in NC, was a fire lookout on a tower in northern Idaho, an assistant District Ranger on the French Broad, Cheoah and Croatan Districts, and a District Ranger on the Cheoah District. He retired as President of WNC Pallet and Forest Products Co., where he was a member of the Southern Appalachian Multiple Use Council, Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, NC Forestry Association, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Association and the WNC Agriculture Hall of Fame. He was a strong advocate for private property rights. Tom loved nature and spent the happiest times of his life in the outdoors. He was an avid trout fisherman.
Tom served his country with honor as a US Army Ranger with service in Korea where he was also a member of the 8th Army Pistol Team.
He is survived his wife of 71 years, Lora Reeves Thrash; sons, J. Douglas Thrash and wife, Patricia S. Thrash, and T. Dale Thrash and wife, Allison J. Thrash; grandchildren, Natalie T. Lowery and husband, John J. Lowery, L. Mark Messer and wife, Reecia E. Messer, David L. Thrash and wife, Alisha F. Thrash, Stuart D. Thrash and wife, Lauren N. Thrash, and Mary Katelyn Thrash; and great-grandchildren, Madison and Hannah Lowery, Abby Messer, Mason, Parker, Kiddlee and McCrae Thrash.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at Acton United Methodist Church, where he was a lifelong member. Pastor Travis Smith will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service.
Memorials may be made to Acton Cemetery Endowment Fund, 171 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.
Services
Visitation: February 15, 2025 1:00 pm
Acton United Methodist Church
171 Sand Hill School Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
Celebration of Life: February 15, 2025 2:00 pm
Acton United Methodist Church
171 Sand Hill School Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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I hated to hear of Tom passing, I’m sure my dad met him just inside the gates.
I always enjoyed any time I got to spend with him. My hope for the family is you
can rest in your faith and cherish the memories of your time together.
An inspiration to many young men in the timber industry. He was a leader and a friend. Rock solid in his word he spoke to his associates. An innovative thinker that helped shape many good positions we enjoy today. A good and transformational man. Rest in peace.
We’re so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing.
Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the family.
We were so sorry to learn about Tom! He was such a special friend to us. We have lots of great memories; of times spent together; out west and camping in the mountains! Our prayers are with you🙏 Love Zane and Joann
Ruthie & I were so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Robbie & Ruthie Dempsey
Lora and family, I’m so very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I owe him a debt of gratitude for the support and friendship he extended to Webb and me for so many years. Dale was also a great friend to Webb. You all have my deepest sympathy.
We are thinking and praying for your family. May Mr Tom rest in peace. And may God comfort your family.
*Lora and Family Just learned of Tom’s passing. Very sorry for your loss. Tom was a class mate at Sand Hill High, class of 49. I have been away from N. C . most of time since. We did keep in touch at reunions and etc. I never knew we had the same birthday. I have had upmost respect for Tom and his accomplishments. He will be missed by many. May God bless you now.
I know my father, Bill Johnson, welcomed Tom as he is again with his dear friend. Bet he hopes Tom brought his cherished sourdough culture so they again can cook pancakes in a cast iron pan over a fire. My eyes saw Tom as a man that always took strong confident strides in his life, work and moving on this earth, modest in his personal living as a choice, self dependent in all things, a man to be remembered that I will never forget.
Lora and family, The neighbors gave me last weeks newspapers and I just read of Tom’s passing. He will be missed. Many fond memories of Tom. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family through this time of loss.
Sorry for your loss. Praying for the family
Doug, Patty and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am praying for you.
Lora and Family: Just want to say “thanks for all of the memories” my family has shared with your family over the years. My dad always loved sharing the times he spent with Tom and Dale ~ fishing ~ camping or just sitting around telling stories. These times will live in our hearts forever and always bring a smile. Much love being sent your way. Just Me ~ Phyllis McKinney Jamison
Doug, sorry to hear of this loss. I recall the conversations we’ve had in recent years. I also remember fondly (now) some of the incidents and encounters we had with your Dad in our youth. Prayers for your family.