Gerald Thomas, 84, of New Hope Tennessee passed away peacefully at his home on October 8, 2023.

Gerald  was a passionate and skilled gardener and he thoroughly enjoyed cooking, especially for family gatherings. However, his greatest joy was his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and he was lovingly referred to as Nandaddy by them along with many of their friends and family.

Married to the love of his life for 57 years, Gerald and Bettye were blessed with two daughters, three granddaughters, one grandson, three great-granddaughters, two sons-in-law, two grandsons-in-law, and one granddaughter-in-law. There was always room and abundant love around their table.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Gerald was a master carpenter and homebuilder. Not only did he build two of his family homes, he also built and renovated many homes and offices in the Sequatchie Valley and Chattanooga area. Prior to his retirement he served as the Maintenance Supervisor for the Marion County School System for 26 years.

Gerald was a member of the Tennessee Association of Maintenance Supervisors and Marion Lodge 515 where he received his 50-year pin. He loved serving his community and helping others. He was often known for providing meals to neighbors in need or dropping off homegrown vegetables to friends. He loved volunteering annually at the National Cornbread Festival and was an avid South Pittsburg Pirate football fan, a Ford truck devotee, and classic car enthusiast.

Gerald was preceded in death by his wife Bettye Ann Mayfield Thomas, his parents Charlie V. and Grace Beatrice Hogan Thomas, his twin brother Jerry D. Thomas, and his sister Betty Sue Thomas Matthews. He is survived by his daughters, Terry (Chris) Woodfin of Chapel Hill, NC and Tina (Danny) Rich of Stevenson, AL; granddaughters, Linnzi Rich of Cartersville, GA, Brandi (Jay) Beard of Stevenson, AL and Chelsea (Jacob) Newbauer of Durham, NC; grandson Chase (Hannah) Woodfin of Atlanta, GA; great granddaughters, Finley Grace and Meredith Claire Beard and Beatrice Klein Newbauer; sister-in-law Myra Thomas of Chattanooga, TN; nephews Tim (Lisa) Matthews of Stevenson, AL, Mack (Shelia) Saylors of Stevenson, AL, and Shane Thomas of Chattanooga, TN.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 4-7 p.m. central time and on Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Central Time prior to the funeral service at Rogers Funeral Home in South Pittsburg.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, October 15, at 2 p.m. central time at Rogers Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Stuart officiating.

Interment will be in New Hope Cemetery immediately following.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to The National Cornbread Festival, 221 S Cedar Ave, South Pittsburg, TN 37380.

Arrangements are entrusted to Roger's funeral Home, 400 Laurel Ave, South Pittsburg, TN (423) 837-7176.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.rogersfuneralhome.com.