Charles Norman Thomas

Asheville - Charles Norman Thomas, 81, of Wake Robin Way, passed away Thursday, June 16, 2011 at his residence. A native and resident for most of his life of Buncombe County, Mr. Thomas retired from ABF Freight Systems as a driver. He was of the Baptist faith, and was a veteran of the US Army. Mr. Thomas was the son of the late N.J. and Annie Taylor Thomas. He was also preceded in death by a son, Forrest Dale (Bucky) Thomas; and brothers: Corbin, Van, David and Mikey Thomas. Surviving are his wife, Mary Hamlin Thomas; children: Charles Thomas of Richmond, VA, Jerry Thomas and wife Anne of Richmond, VA, Wayne Thomas and wife Julie of Asheville, and Robin Hamlin and husband James of Philadelphia, PA; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Topsy Edwards of Jacksonville, FL; brother, Nathan Thomas of Jacksonville, FL; aunt, Clara Gillis of Asheville; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 2-4 PM Sunday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home and Cremation Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Baptist Childrens Home of NC, PO Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27360, or to the St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.