John Thomas

John William Thomas, 73 of Mt. Terrace Drive, Hickory died Wednesday May 18, 2011 at his residence. Born August 17, 1937, he was the son of the late Frank Thomas & Lydia Oats Thomas. John worked for Wilson Tree Company and Davey Tree Company for over 40 years. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. In addition to his wife of 50 years, Shelby ?Jean? Pendley Thomas of the home; three daughters, Betty Moore and husband Kenny of Conover, Rita Finney and husband James of Conover and Patricia Beam and husband Carl of Hickory; a sister, Virginia Bailes and husband Charles of Hickory; a brother, Charles Gordon Thomas and wife Gwyn of Hickory; six grand-children, Kevin Linder, Grace Linder, Timothy Linder, Jessica Brown, April Finney and Johnny Moore; and one great grand-child, Angelrose Linder survive him. Two brothers, Charlie Thomas and C.G. Thomas; and four sisters, Frankie Thomas, Beulah Griffin, Jane Thomas and Elizabeth ?Lil? Mathis preceded him in death. A funeral service will be 2:00 pm, Saturday May 21, 2011 at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Startown/Jenkins Cemetery in Newton. The family will receive friends from 1-2:00 pm, prior to the service at the funeral home. The Rev. Dr. Stephen Disher will officiate. Pallbearers include Robert Pendley, Johnny Pendley, Benny Pendley, David Pendley, Billy Owens and William Linder. Condolence messages may be sent to www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Thomas family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Newton.