Howard Lee Thomas, 92, of Murfreesboro died Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Rutherford County. He was the son of the late James C. Thomas and Ethel Morris Thomas Steagall.

He was preceded in death by his wife Christine Walden Thomas, son Ronald E. Thomas, infant daughter Barbara Ann Thomas, granddaughter Tee Clutter, great-grandson Daniel Wheeler, brothers Grady Thomas, Charles Thomas, Walter Thomas, Jack Steagall, and niece Karen Thomas.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, at Woodfin Funeral Chapel, with Brother Morgan Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Cothran Cemetery. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife Gladys S. Thomas, of Virginia; son James H. “Jim” (Beverly) Thomas, of Murfreesboro; daughter Betty Thomas (Richard) Hendric,k of Murfreesboro; daughter–in-law Patricia Thomas of Murfreesboro, grandchildren Richard “Rick” (Sandra) Hendrick, Lora K. Hendrick, Michael Thomas Hendrick, Lisa Thomas (Tom) , Candy Bickford (Curt) Wooten, James S. “Jimbo” (Jennifer) Thomas, Michelle “Shelly” Thomas Cox, Dawn Thomas (Christopher) Ashley, Jason Lee Thomas and Jenna Thomas; 13 great-grandchildren, sisters Sue (Lee) Jones and Jane (Bill) Bennett, sisters-in-law Bonnie Thomas and Lillie Mae Thomas, nephews James Grady Thomas Jr. and Charles P. Thomas II.

Mr. Thomas was a member of Rockvale Church of God. He served in the U.S. Navy (Seabees) during World War II and retired from Avco Aerostructures with 38 years of service.

Visitation will be 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, at Woodfin Funeral Chapel in Murfreesboro.

On line condolences may be made to www.woodfinchapel.com.