Kevin Wayne Thomas
November 9, 1962 - August 23, 2021
Funeral service for Mr. Kevin Wayne Thomas, 58, of Gadsden, will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday August 28, 2021, at East Gadsden Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Daryl Randolph officiating. Burial will follow in Crestwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from noon until time of the service at the church.
Mr. Thomas passed away on Monday, August 23, 2021. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Polly Rickles, and step-father, Jerry Skipper.
Left to cherish the memory of Mr. Thomas are his wife of 19 years Donna Thomas; daughter: Autumn Johnston (Nick); father: Wayne Thomas; mother: Peggy Skipper; grandchildren: Drew, Jayce, Trey, and Allie Johnston; sisters: Susan Christlieb, and Beth Allen (Todd); brothers: Johnny Thomas (Deborah), Jason Skipper (Kala), and Atha Thomas (Leta); nieces: Heather Acker (Andrew), Anna Teal (Jordan), Emily Mullins (Wil) and several other special nieces and nephews; special friends: Darryn (Shay) Bolding, and Mike (Darlene) Jacobs.
Kevin was born in Boaz and raised in east Gadsden. During his days in school, Kevin showed an interest in all things cars. He was only in ninth grade when he rebuilt the motor of a 1955 Chevy with his childhood friend Mike Jacobs.
A couple of years later, everyone knew who was in that blue 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo heading to work to pump gas at Gregerson's on Hwy. 278. That was Kevin, and throughout his life, he became known as "the guy" to go to when it came to anything dealing with classic cars. He knew the subtle differences of every model of every line from the 1950s through the 1980s. It was truly amazing.
Not long after high school, he hit the road as a truck driver. That proved to be his livelihood for nearly four decades, as he drove for the likes of Brown Truck Line, Buffalo Rock, Crown Column and, finally, XPO Logistics, among others.
When he wasn't on the road or tinkering with classic cars, he was on the river. He loved the river and everything about it. Whether it be boating, fishing or skiing, Kevin was the guy you wanted to be with on the water.
Anyone who knew Kevin knew that, on top of being a classic car guru, Andy Griffith was his favorite show and, along with his brothers Johnny and Jason, he could quote lines from the entire series. Furthermore, Smokey and the Bandit was the greatest film ever made. And any country music that was released past the 1980s wasn't really country music (of course, he made an exception for Dwight Yoakam).
They also knew him for his sense of humor and that there was only one way to take care of a yard – his way. He liked everything a certain way when it came to his home. No one could argue he knew exactly what he was doing when it came to lawncare.
On the third Saturday in October of 2000, Kevin was at the Texaco gas station not knowing fate was about to pull up at the pump. Donna was headed to watch the Alabama-Tennessee football game, and like Kevin loved classic cars, she loved Alabama football. She was in a rush to make the kickoff, but Kevin was not. They had gone to high school together, and the truth is, Kevin had a crush on her back then. He took the opportunity to catch up that day and eventually got Donna's phone number, and she went on her way. After a couple of weeks Kevin finally called, and their first date was at a young adult Sunday school party for the East Gadsden Church of the Nazarene. They married in May of 2002.While Kevin never had kids of his own, he inherited a daughter, Autumn, and a son-in-law, Nick. He always treated Autumn as his own daughter, and his love and support of Nick through the years was incredibly strong. Then Kevin became a grandfather and was simply known as "Papa" to Drew, Jayce, Trey and Allie. He made a tree swing in the backyard and would play ball with the boys, taking on the role of grandfather like he was born to do it. He was eager to help teach Drew how to drive, and he had a knack for being able to have those serious talks about life and anything else that grandfathers and grandsons are known to have. They talked often about restoring Kevin's 1978 Corvette, which Drew absolutely loves. With Jayce, who carries the middle name Thomas, they shared a bond through fishing and those one-on-one breakfasts. No one really knows what they would talk about over those bacon and eggs other than them, and that's OK. It's something Jayce will take with him the rest of his life. Kevin loved Trey so much and would sit for however long he needed to, listening to him talk about what was new in his life, the sports world and basically anything and everything that would come to his mind. And with Allie, that little girl had Kevin wrapped around her finger just like everyone else. While Allie may not be old enough to remember exactly how great of a man her grandfather was, her family will be sure she knows through photos and stories for years to come.
In the last several years, Kevin enjoyed going on vacations with his extended family to the Gulf Coast, Smoky Mountains and Hilton Head. He would talk cars for hours with Rodney, who also loves classic cars. The late-night board games with him, Rodney, Vestavia, Nick, Autumn, Kelsi, Cody, Sam, and Donna along with the grandkids were fierce. He loved everyone and everyone loved him.
Kevin became a member of the East Gadsden Church of the Nazarene where he grew in his faith and service to the Lord and eventually became a board member. He loved everyone in the church and anyone who knew him there had no choice but to love him. He was the best. He's been a strong, sturdy force in everyone's life, always present and wholly himself. He was devoted to his family, friends and his mom, Peggy, whom he protected and cared for with everything he had. All we have on this earth of him now are memories and photos, stories from a life so full that capturing them all on a page would be impossible. As Peggy says, "You could never stop writing about Kevin."
Pallbearers will be Johnny Thomas, Jason Skipper, Darryn Bolding, Mike Jacobs, Mike Woodall, and Gary Haynes
Special thanks to Oakley Patterson and the doctors and nurses on the MICU floor at Gadsden Regional Medical Center.
November 9, 1962 - August 23, 2021
Funeral service for Mr. Kevin Wayne Thomas, 58, of Gadsden, will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday August 28, 2021, at East Gadsden Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Daryl Randolph officiating. Burial will follow in Crestwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from noon until time of the service at the church.
Mr. Thomas passed away on Monday, August 23, 2021. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Polly Rickles, and step-father, Jerry Skipper.
Left to cherish the memory of Mr. Thomas are his wife of 19 years Donna Thomas; daughter: Autumn Johnston (Nick); father: Wayne Thomas; mother: Peggy Skipper; grandchildren: Drew, Jayce, Trey, and Allie Johnston; sisters: Susan Christlieb, and Beth Allen (Todd); brothers: Johnny Thomas (Deborah), Jason Skipper (Kala), and Atha Thomas (Leta); nieces: Heather Acker (Andrew), Anna Teal (Jordan), Emily Mullins (Wil) and several other special nieces and nephews; special friends: Darryn (Shay) Bolding, and Mike (Darlene) Jacobs.
Kevin was born in Boaz and raised in east Gadsden. During his days in school, Kevin showed an interest in all things cars. He was only in ninth grade when he rebuilt the motor of a 1955 Chevy with his childhood friend Mike Jacobs.
A couple of years later, everyone knew who was in that blue 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo heading to work to pump gas at Gregerson's on Hwy. 278. That was Kevin, and throughout his life, he became known as "the guy" to go to when it came to anything dealing with classic cars. He knew the subtle differences of every model of every line from the 1950s through the 1980s. It was truly amazing.
Not long after high school, he hit the road as a truck driver. That proved to be his livelihood for nearly four decades, as he drove for the likes of Brown Truck Line, Buffalo Rock, Crown Column and, finally, XPO Logistics, among others.
When he wasn't on the road or tinkering with classic cars, he was on the river. He loved the river and everything about it. Whether it be boating, fishing or skiing, Kevin was the guy you wanted to be with on the water.
Anyone who knew Kevin knew that, on top of being a classic car guru, Andy Griffith was his favorite show and, along with his brothers Johnny and Jason, he could quote lines from the entire series. Furthermore, Smokey and the Bandit was the greatest film ever made. And any country music that was released past the 1980s wasn't really country music (of course, he made an exception for Dwight Yoakam).
They also knew him for his sense of humor and that there was only one way to take care of a yard – his way. He liked everything a certain way when it came to his home. No one could argue he knew exactly what he was doing when it came to lawncare.
On the third Saturday in October of 2000, Kevin was at the Texaco gas station not knowing fate was about to pull up at the pump. Donna was headed to watch the Alabama-Tennessee football game, and like Kevin loved classic cars, she loved Alabama football. She was in a rush to make the kickoff, but Kevin was not. They had gone to high school together, and the truth is, Kevin had a crush on her back then. He took the opportunity to catch up that day and eventually got Donna's phone number, and she went on her way. After a couple of weeks Kevin finally called, and their first date was at a young adult Sunday school party for the East Gadsden Church of the Nazarene. They married in May of 2002.While Kevin never had kids of his own, he inherited a daughter, Autumn, and a son-in-law, Nick. He always treated Autumn as his own daughter, and his love and support of Nick through the years was incredibly strong. Then Kevin became a grandfather and was simply known as "Papa" to Drew, Jayce, Trey and Allie. He made a tree swing in the backyard and would play ball with the boys, taking on the role of grandfather like he was born to do it. He was eager to help teach Drew how to drive, and he had a knack for being able to have those serious talks about life and anything else that grandfathers and grandsons are known to have. They talked often about restoring Kevin's 1978 Corvette, which Drew absolutely loves. With Jayce, who carries the middle name Thomas, they shared a bond through fishing and those one-on-one breakfasts. No one really knows what they would talk about over those bacon and eggs other than them, and that's OK. It's something Jayce will take with him the rest of his life. Kevin loved Trey so much and would sit for however long he needed to, listening to him talk about what was new in his life, the sports world and basically anything and everything that would come to his mind. And with Allie, that little girl had Kevin wrapped around her finger just like everyone else. While Allie may not be old enough to remember exactly how great of a man her grandfather was, her family will be sure she knows through photos and stories for years to come.
In the last several years, Kevin enjoyed going on vacations with his extended family to the Gulf Coast, Smoky Mountains and Hilton Head. He would talk cars for hours with Rodney, who also loves classic cars. The late-night board games with him, Rodney, Vestavia, Nick, Autumn, Kelsi, Cody, Sam, and Donna along with the grandkids were fierce. He loved everyone and everyone loved him.
Kevin became a member of the East Gadsden Church of the Nazarene where he grew in his faith and service to the Lord and eventually became a board member. He loved everyone in the church and anyone who knew him there had no choice but to love him. He was the best. He's been a strong, sturdy force in everyone's life, always present and wholly himself. He was devoted to his family, friends and his mom, Peggy, whom he protected and cared for with everything he had. All we have on this earth of him now are memories and photos, stories from a life so full that capturing them all on a page would be impossible. As Peggy says, "You could never stop writing about Kevin."
Pallbearers will be Johnny Thomas, Jason Skipper, Darryn Bolding, Mike Jacobs, Mike Woodall, and Gary Haynes
Special thanks to Oakley Patterson and the doctors and nurses on the MICU floor at Gadsden Regional Medical Center.
Kevin Wayne Thomas
November 9, 1962 - August 23, 2021
Funeral service for Mr. Kevin Wayne Thomas, 58, of Gadsden, will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday August 28, 2021, at East Gadsden Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Daryl Randolph officiating. Burial will follow in Crestwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from noon until time of the service at the church.
Mr. Thomas passed away on Monday, August 23, 2021. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Polly Rickles, and step-father, Jerry Skipper.
Left to cherish the memory of Mr. Thomas are his wife of 19 years Donna Thomas; daughter: Autumn Johnston (Nick); father: Wayne Thomas; mother: Peggy Skipper; grandchildren: Drew, Jayce, Trey, and Allie Johnston; sisters: Susan Christlieb, and Beth Allen (Todd); brothers: Johnny Thomas (Deborah), Jason Skipper (Kala), and Atha Thomas (Leta); nieces: Heather Acker (Andrew), Anna Teal (Jordan), Emily Mullins (Wil) and several other special nieces and nephews; special friends: Darryn (Shay) Bolding, and Mike (Darlene) Jacobs.
Kevin was born in Boaz and raised in east Gadsden. During his days in school, Kevin showed an interest in all things cars. He was only in ninth grade when he rebuilt the motor of a 1955 Chevy with his childhood friend Mike Jacobs.
A couple of years later, everyone knew who was in that blue 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo heading to work to pump gas at Gregerson's on Hwy. 278. That was Kevin, and throughout his life, he became known as "the guy" to go to when it came to anything dealing with classic cars. He knew the subtle differences of every model of every line from the 1950s through the 1980s. It was truly amazing.
Not long after high school, he hit the road as a truck driver. That proved to be his livelihood for nearly four decades, as he drove for the likes of Brown Truck Line, Buffalo Rock, Crown Column and, finally, XPO Logistics, among others.
When he wasn't on the road or tinkering with classic cars, he was on the river. He loved the river and everything about it. Whether it be boating, fishing or skiing, Kevin was the guy you wanted to be with on the water.
Anyone who knew Kevin knew that, on top of being a classic car guru, Andy Griffith was his favorite show and, along with his brothers Johnny and Jason, he could quote lines from the entire series. Furthermore, Smokey and the Bandit was the greatest film ever made. And any country music that was released past the 1980s wasn't really country music (of course, he made an exception for Dwight Yoakam).
They also knew him for his sense of humor and that there was only one way to take care of a yard – his way. He liked everything a certain way when it came to his home. No one could argue he knew exactly what he was doing when it came to lawncare.
On the third Saturday in October of 2000, Kevin was at the Texaco gas station not knowing fate was about to pull up at the pump. Donna was headed to watch the Alabama-Tennessee football game, and like Kevin loved classic cars, she loved Alabama football. She was in a rush to make the kickoff, but Kevin was not. They had gone to high school together, and the truth is, Kevin had a crush on her back then. He took the opportunity to catch up that day and eventually got Donna's phone number, and she went on her way. After a couple of weeks Kevin finally called, and their first date was at a young adult Sunday school party for the East Gadsden Church of the Nazarene. They married in May of 2002.While Kevin never had kids of his own, he inherited a daughter, Autumn, and a son-in-law, Nick. He always treated Autumn as his own daughter, and his love and support of Nick through the years was incredibly strong. Then Kevin became a grandfather and was simply known as "Papa" to Drew, Jayce, Trey and Allie. He made a tree swing in the backyard and would play ball with the boys, taking on the role of grandfather like he was born to do it. He was eager to help teach Drew how to drive, and he had a knack for being able to have those serious talks about life and anything else that grandfathers and grandsons are known to have. They talked often about restoring Kevin's 1978 Corvette, which Drew absolutely loves. With Jayce, who carries the middle name Thomas, they shared a bond through fishing and those one-on-one breakfasts. No one really knows what they would talk about over those bacon and eggs other than them, and that's OK. It's something Jayce will take with him the rest of his life. Kevin loved Trey so much and would sit for however long he needed to, listening to him talk about what was new in his life, the sports world and basically anything and everything that would come to his mind. And with Allie, that little girl had Kevin wrapped around her finger just like everyone else. While Allie may not be old enough to remember exactly how great of a man her grandfather was, her family will be sure she knows through photos and stories for years to come.
In the last several years, Kevin enjoyed going on vacations with his extended family to the Gulf Coast, Smoky Mountains and Hilton Head. He would talk cars for hours with Rodney, who also loves classic cars. The late-night board games with him, Rodney, Vestavia, Nick, Autumn, Kelsi, Cody, Sam, and Donna along with the grandkids were fierce. He loved everyone and everyone loved him.
Kevin became a member of the East Gadsden Church of the Nazarene where he grew in his faith and service to the Lord and eventually became a board member. He loved everyone in the church and anyone who knew him there had no choice but to love him. He was the best. He's been a strong, sturdy force in everyone's life, always present and wholly himself. He was devoted to his family, friends and his mom, Peggy, whom he protected and cared for with everything he had. All we have on this earth of him now are memories and photos, stories from a life so full that capturing them all on a page would be impossible. As Peggy says, "You could never stop writing about Kevin."
Pallbearers will be Johnny Thomas, Jason Skipper, Darryn Bolding, Mike Jacobs, Mike Woodall, and Gary Haynes
Special thanks to Oakley Patterson and the doctors and nurses on the MICU floor at Gadsden Regional Medical Center.
November 9, 1962 - August 23, 2021
Funeral service for Mr. Kevin Wayne Thomas, 58, of Gadsden, will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday August 28, 2021, at East Gadsden Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Daryl Randolph officiating. Burial will follow in Crestwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from noon until time of the service at the church.
Mr. Thomas passed away on Monday, August 23, 2021. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Polly Rickles, and step-father, Jerry Skipper.
Left to cherish the memory of Mr. Thomas are his wife of 19 years Donna Thomas; daughter: Autumn Johnston (Nick); father: Wayne Thomas; mother: Peggy Skipper; grandchildren: Drew, Jayce, Trey, and Allie Johnston; sisters: Susan Christlieb, and Beth Allen (Todd); brothers: Johnny Thomas (Deborah), Jason Skipper (Kala), and Atha Thomas (Leta); nieces: Heather Acker (Andrew), Anna Teal (Jordan), Emily Mullins (Wil) and several other special nieces and nephews; special friends: Darryn (Shay) Bolding, and Mike (Darlene) Jacobs.
Kevin was born in Boaz and raised in east Gadsden. During his days in school, Kevin showed an interest in all things cars. He was only in ninth grade when he rebuilt the motor of a 1955 Chevy with his childhood friend Mike Jacobs.
A couple of years later, everyone knew who was in that blue 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo heading to work to pump gas at Gregerson's on Hwy. 278. That was Kevin, and throughout his life, he became known as "the guy" to go to when it came to anything dealing with classic cars. He knew the subtle differences of every model of every line from the 1950s through the 1980s. It was truly amazing.
Not long after high school, he hit the road as a truck driver. That proved to be his livelihood for nearly four decades, as he drove for the likes of Brown Truck Line, Buffalo Rock, Crown Column and, finally, XPO Logistics, among others.
When he wasn't on the road or tinkering with classic cars, he was on the river. He loved the river and everything about it. Whether it be boating, fishing or skiing, Kevin was the guy you wanted to be with on the water.
Anyone who knew Kevin knew that, on top of being a classic car guru, Andy Griffith was his favorite show and, along with his brothers Johnny and Jason, he could quote lines from the entire series. Furthermore, Smokey and the Bandit was the greatest film ever made. And any country music that was released past the 1980s wasn't really country music (of course, he made an exception for Dwight Yoakam).
They also knew him for his sense of humor and that there was only one way to take care of a yard – his way. He liked everything a certain way when it came to his home. No one could argue he knew exactly what he was doing when it came to lawncare.
On the third Saturday in October of 2000, Kevin was at the Texaco gas station not knowing fate was about to pull up at the pump. Donna was headed to watch the Alabama-Tennessee football game, and like Kevin loved classic cars, she loved Alabama football. She was in a rush to make the kickoff, but Kevin was not. They had gone to high school together, and the truth is, Kevin had a crush on her back then. He took the opportunity to catch up that day and eventually got Donna's phone number, and she went on her way. After a couple of weeks Kevin finally called, and their first date was at a young adult Sunday school party for the East Gadsden Church of the Nazarene. They married in May of 2002.While Kevin never had kids of his own, he inherited a daughter, Autumn, and a son-in-law, Nick. He always treated Autumn as his own daughter, and his love and support of Nick through the years was incredibly strong. Then Kevin became a grandfather and was simply known as "Papa" to Drew, Jayce, Trey and Allie. He made a tree swing in the backyard and would play ball with the boys, taking on the role of grandfather like he was born to do it. He was eager to help teach Drew how to drive, and he had a knack for being able to have those serious talks about life and anything else that grandfathers and grandsons are known to have. They talked often about restoring Kevin's 1978 Corvette, which Drew absolutely loves. With Jayce, who carries the middle name Thomas, they shared a bond through fishing and those one-on-one breakfasts. No one really knows what they would talk about over those bacon and eggs other than them, and that's OK. It's something Jayce will take with him the rest of his life. Kevin loved Trey so much and would sit for however long he needed to, listening to him talk about what was new in his life, the sports world and basically anything and everything that would come to his mind. And with Allie, that little girl had Kevin wrapped around her finger just like everyone else. While Allie may not be old enough to remember exactly how great of a man her grandfather was, her family will be sure she knows through photos and stories for years to come.
In the last several years, Kevin enjoyed going on vacations with his extended family to the Gulf Coast, Smoky Mountains and Hilton Head. He would talk cars for hours with Rodney, who also loves classic cars. The late-night board games with him, Rodney, Vestavia, Nick, Autumn, Kelsi, Cody, Sam, and Donna along with the grandkids were fierce. He loved everyone and everyone loved him.
Kevin became a member of the East Gadsden Church of the Nazarene where he grew in his faith and service to the Lord and eventually became a board member. He loved everyone in the church and anyone who knew him there had no choice but to love him. He was the best. He's been a strong, sturdy force in everyone's life, always present and wholly himself. He was devoted to his family, friends and his mom, Peggy, whom he protected and cared for with everything he had. All we have on this earth of him now are memories and photos, stories from a life so full that capturing them all on a page would be impossible. As Peggy says, "You could never stop writing about Kevin."
Pallbearers will be Johnny Thomas, Jason Skipper, Darryn Bolding, Mike Jacobs, Mike Woodall, and Gary Haynes
Special thanks to Oakley Patterson and the doctors and nurses on the MICU floor at Gadsden Regional Medical Center.
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