Marion "Junior" Thomas Jr.

Marion “Junior” Thomas Jr., of Franklin, 84, passed away January 5, 2017. Marion Thomas Jr., "Junior", was the son of the late Marion Cylvester Thomas and Leona Nebraska McClure Thomas. He was a native of Macon County. From 1952 to 1954 he was a medic in the Army, stationed in Germany. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, laughing and telling stories. In 1960, he married the love of his life, Vergia Rae Russell; they were married 49 years. Junior was preceded in death by his wife, Vergia; two brothers, Porter Thomas and ML Thomas; two sisters, Edna Prince and Gladys McConnell and one grandson, Jeremy Keener. He is survived by three daughters, Marcella Keener and husband Steve of Franklin, NC, Sandra Marlene Palmer and husband Mark of Woodruff, SC and Margaret Daniel and husband Gerald of Albany, GA; grandchildren, Morgan Palmer, Crystal Daniel, Christina Daniel Willis, Katrin Keener Rholetter, Jaric Thomas Keener and one great granddaughter, Adaline Grace Rholetter. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 14th in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. John Hartley will officiate. Military Rites will be conducted by VFW Post 7339 and American Legion Post 108. Family and friends will gather at Black Mtn. Baptist Church for a meal following the service. The family will receive friends from 12-2:00 p.m., prior to the service at the funeral home. Honorary Pallbearers will be Steve Keener, Mark Palmer, Gerald Daniel, Jaric Thomas Keener, Dustin Rholetter, Tony Prince, Larry Thomas, Homer Hodgins, Carl Prince and Lawton Houston. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park Bldg. 1, Asheville, NC 28801 (Attention: Relay for Life of Franklin, NC. Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.