Thomas, John Phillip

John Phillip Thomas (JT), 77, of Dublin, passed away August 1, 2013. Born March 1, 1936 and raised in McDowell County, W.Va., JT was the son of John B. and Lydia Thomas. He was a graduate of Welch High School and Concord College. After serving in the US Army during the Korean War, he became employed by the CIA. He continued his career with RDAISA Facility in Radford, during which time he had top secret clearance and provided support to the Pentagon during the Cold War. He retired after 37 years of government service.

He leaves behind his wife of 26 years, Brenda Thomas; daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Tim Almarode. of Dublin; son and daughter-in-law, John F. and Angie Thomas, of Charlotte, N.C.; son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Angie Fowler, of Pasadena, Md.; daughter, Traci Fowler and her fiance, Tory Garrett, of Roanoke; grandchildren, Jordan and Ashley Almarode, of Dublin, Jaime and Josh Fowler, of Pasadena, Md., Bailey, Olivia and Alex Thomas, of Charlotte, N.C., Tayvien Garrett, of Roanoke; great-grandchildren, Damien Blinsinger and Emma Lynn Hubble.  JT was a member of Henry Clay Mason Lodge #280 and the American Legion in Pulaski. An avid longtime member of the Moose, he was a dual member of both Pulaski and Dublin Moose Lodge, where he was a former Governor. A tremendous lover of life who left behind many friends, JT will fondly be remembered for his love of PBR and “Hello Walls”. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 8, 2013, at Stevens Funeral Home in Pulaski. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. with the funeral service following at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Don Sizemore officiating. Burial with full military honors to follow at Southwest Virginia Veteran’s Cemetery. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski.