Paul Dwaine Thomas

Paul Thomas, a native of Rockwood, TN, was born on April 1,1944, to Paul D. Thomas and Mary Sue Dayton Thomas. He attended Roane County High School, where he excelled in football. After high school, Paul enlisted in the US Army and proudly served in Korea and Germany. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to a successful career in the steel mill industry, leaving a lasting impact at Tennessee Forging Steel, Atlantic Steel, Birmingham Steel, and Gerdau. He made many life-long friends at work and has kept in touch with them over the years.

Known for his warm and outgoing personality, Paul was well-liked by everyone and never met a stranger. His sense of humor and love for playing jokes made him the life of the party wherever he went. Paul had a deep love for his church, New Beginnings Cartersville, and serving others. He loved volunteering at the Harvest House up until his health would no longer allow him. A passionate Tennessee sports fan, Paul found joy in cheering on the Tennessee Vols football team and Lady Vols basketball. He was also a devoted supporter of the Atlanta Braves, missing very few games until the end of his life.

Paul cherished his family above all else. He is survived by his loving wife of over 58 years, Betty Brackett Thomas; son, Brian Thomas; daughter, Stephanie Johnson (Matthew); granddaughters, Lauren Thomas, Savannah Johnson, and Mattie Johnson; brother, Dwight (Sarah) Thomas of Anderson, SC; sisters, Shirley Huff (Rossville, GA), Cindy Chamberlin (Rossville, GA), Becky Shank (East Ridge, TN), and Elaine (John) Blake (Soddy Daisy, TN); brother-in-law, Dr. Sterling (Wanda) Brackett of Palm Desert, CA; sisters-in-law, Faye (Bill) Clifton and Deborah (Roger) Caldwell both of Kingston, TN; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many close friends, including Gary and Dianne Moore of Cartersville.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Paul "Slick" and Sue Thomas; brother, Douglas Thomas; sisters, Paula Sanders and Peggy Barnes; and daughter-in-law, Sherilen "Sissy" Thomas.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. David Kim, Lori Millsap and staff, and Heather and Maci from Transitions Hospice for their exceptional care and support during this challenging time. Your dedication and compassion were a true blessing to our family.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, from 1 pm to 3 pm at Owen Funeral Home, Cartersville, GA. The funeral service will follow at 3 pm in the chapel with the Rev. Barry Garland and Dr. Sterling Brackett officiating. Interment will follow at Providence Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Kris Clifton, Garrett Clifton, David Malone, Matthew Malone, Donnie Brackett, Mark Brackett, JD Trail, and Mark Cooper. Honorary pallbearers are Gerald Barge, Mack Towler, Richard Baines, Gary Moore, and Bryant Hatfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in loving memory of Paul Thomas to be made to New Beginnings Cartersville Building Fund at newbeginningscartersville.com.