Edward “Joe” Thomas

Edward “Joe” Thomas was granted his angel wings peacefully in his sleep on July 18, 2015. His final days were spent in his home surrounded by his family, friends, and his beloved dog, Kiera.
A native of Swain County, he was born August 4, 1941 to the late Lamar and Mary Manor Thomas. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, George, Andrew, and Elbert Thomas; and sisters, Ollie Williamson, Lucille Burris, and Mary Ellen Sawyer.
Joe was very proud of his 10 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. He would always tell his daughter, “I just love people,” and that was evident to anyone who met him. He loved to make people laugh. He enjoyed cooking and playing golf with his buddy, Terry.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Nellie Cline Thomas; his daughter, Kerston Vaugh who he called everyday just to tell her he loved her; son-in-law, Brint Vaughn, who he thought of as his own son; granddaughter, Sierra Vaughn, who you would know all about the first minute you met him because she was the person who he was most proud of in his life; brothers, Vincent (Peggy), Gordon (Mildred), and Freddy; sister, Helen Harris; sisters-in-law, Amy Taylor “Sis” and Katherine Thomas; and a number of nieces and nephews who he loved very much.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Thomas Chapel Cemetery in Bryson City with Rev. Mike Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00pm, Tuesday, in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home and at other times at the home of Brint and Kerston Vaughn.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 75817, Topeka, KS 66675.
To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.