WALTER THOMAS

August 10, 1922 – July 31, 2013

IVA, SC - Walter Thomas, age 90, of Iva, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at AnMed Health Medical Center.

Born in Lowndesville, SC, he was the son of the late John Bunyon Thomas and the late Ruth Raymond Speed Thomas.  He was a graduate of Iva High School. Walt proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II.  He was a member of the American Legion. He worked as an electrician in Florida for many years before returning to South Carolina to help establish JB Thomas and Sons Hardware Store, where he was the owner and operator.  He formerly served as a school trustee for district 3 and was formerly on the Board of Directors at the Iva Rescue Squad.  He currently served on the Board of Directors at the People’s Bank of Iva, the Starr Iva Water Company and the West Carolina Telephone Coop.  He was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Helen Wiles Thomas; sons, Randy Thomas (Nancy), of Anderson, Wayne Thomas (Lindsay), of Greenwood and Mike Thomas (Lisa), of Iva; grandchildren, Griffin, Drake, Emery, Tatum, Richard, Walter, Kristy, Scott and Michael; great-grandchildren, Makayla and Clay; he is also survived by a sister, Kathleen Thomas, of Iva.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers, JB and Allen Thomas. 

The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 2, 2013 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Iva with Reverends Jerry Gray and Dick Thomas officiating.  Interment will follow at Iva City Cemetery with Military Honors.  Pallbearers will be the employees of JB Thomas and Sons Hardware Store, with honorary pallbearers being the Board of Directors of the People’s Bank of Iva, West Carolina Telephone Coop and Starr-Iva Water Company.  Mr. Thomas will be placed in the church at 10:00 AM. 

The family will be at the home of his son, Mike, and will receive friends at The McDougald Funeral Home on Thursday, August 1, 2013 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Iva Rescue Squad, 9715 Hwy 81 South, Iva, SC 29655 or to Iva Fire Department, 9711 Hwy 81 South, Iva, SC 29655.

A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com