Wayne "Cotton" Thomas

Wayne Thomas, 73, of Kingsport, died Monday evening, September 30, 2013, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center after complications with his heart.

Born in Dunbar, VA, he resided in Kingsport since 1976. He was a graduate of Appalachia High School and ETSU. Wayne had worked for Westmoreland Coal Co. before becoming a co-owner/operator of a restaurant in Norton, VA. He was a 32nd degree Mason in Lodge #688. He joined the Jericho Shriners in 2000 and was the secretary/treasurer of the Marching Patrol.

Wayne will leave behind a host of friends both old and new to mourn his passing but none will miss or grieve for him more than his loving family that includes the following, his wife, Sandy Thomas of the home; two sons, Todd Thomas and wife Kim, Knoxville, and Jon Thomas and wife Jennifer, Nashville; three step-children, Travis Hart and wife Tina, Kingsport, Brandie Moody and husband Wade, Johnson City, and Jessica Anderson and husband Justin, Kingsport; three grandchildren, Abigail, Ben and Jane; six step-grandchildren, Shawnah, Hunter, Holden, Sheridan, Samuel, and Luke; brother, William Thomas, III, Abingdon, VA; two sisters, Janice Taylor, Big Stone Gap, VA, and Diana Muron, Charles Town, WVA; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 4, 2013, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Chapel, Kingsport. The service will follow at 1:00 pm with Rev. Wallace Amos officiating and Masonic services conducted by the Kingsport Masonic Lodge #688.

Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Doub, George Morton, Rudy Clark, Johnny Trinkle, Glenn Pierce, and Rick Sparrow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital, 950 W. Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.