William Hunter Thomas

William Hunter Thomas Sr, 78, of Littlesburg Road, Bluefield, WV, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2014 at the Maples Nursing Home in Bluefield.   Born July 30th, 1935 was a son of the late John H Thomas and Eula Bircham Thomas. He was born in Abingdon, VA, was raised in Burkes Garden, VA and was a graduate of Burkes Garden High School. He had been a 32 year resident of Littlesburg Road and was a devoted member of Deliverance Temple of Brushfork. He retired from N&W / NS Rail Road after a head on collision train wreck in 1973 and was a member of the UTU. Hunter spent the later years of his life bringing joy to others by visiting nursing homes and shut-ins. He made many friends at Westwood, The Maples, and Heritage Hall before becoming ill himself. He never met a stranger. Hunter also worked on antique clocks for 40 years, and was known to many as “The Clock Man.”   In addition to his parents, Hunter was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years Patsy Ann Farley Thomas in 1988; a son Darren Keith Thomas in 1998; brothers, Troy “Joe” Thomas, John E Thomas, Kent Thomas, and Robert Thomas; and sisters, Alice Thomas, Jean Ann Thomas, Lucille Jackson, Betty Jane Peters.   He is survived by:   Daughter:        Kathy and husband James Sexton of Bluefield   Sons:               Hunter Thomas, Jr. and wife Mary Lew of Bluefield Steve Thomas of Bluefield   Grandson – Hunter Thomas, III of Bluefield   Sister – Mattie Determan and husband Joe   Special Nieces who were raised as sisters:      Lila Clark and husband Russel of NC Mary Ruth Belcher of Bastian, VA   Sisters-in-law:             Patricia Thomas of Tazewell VA.                                     Charlene and husband Ben Strouth of Princeton, WV   Numerous much loved Nieces and nephews   Special friends at Landmark Antique Mall, Bluefield Community Center and Food City.   In keeping with Hunter’s wishes, his body has been cremated and Memorial services will be conducted on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the Deliverance Temple in Brushfork with Rev. David Kirby and Rev. David Lusk officiating.   Friends may call on Saturday from 12:00-2:00 at the church.   Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com   Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road (Bluewell), Bluefield, WV 24701 is serving the family.