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Marion Fleming "Dick" Thomas Jr.

1923 - 2015

Marion Fleming "Dick" Thomas Jr. obituary, 1923-2015, Nashville, TN

BORN

1923

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Nashville Funeral and Cremation

210 McMillin Street

Nashville, Tennessee

Marion Thomas Obituary

Marion Fleming "Dick" Thomas, Jr.

Nashville, TN

Marion Fleming Thomas, Jr. "Dick" age 92, born February 19, 1923 at Nashville, Tennessee, veteran of World War II and member of the Nashville Bar Association, died July 5, 2015 surrounded by loving family. He was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church of Nashville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Fleming Thomas and Grace Humphreys Thomas, and by his brother, Allison Houston Thomas, all of Nashville.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Judith Brandon Thomas; son, David Brandon Thomas (Janet) of Brentwood and daughter, Evalyn Thomas Gander (Wolfgang) of Nashville; grandchildren, David Brandon Thomas, Jr., MD of South Orange, NJ, Rebecca Sperry Gander, RN, BSN, of Birmingham, AL, Wolfgang Maximilian Gander of Nashville, Rev. Christina Dawn Starace of Carmel, IN and Adam Gabriel Starace of Brentwood.

A lifelong resident of Nashville, he graduated from Montgomery Bell Academy in 1941. Initially prevented from volunteering for World War II due to a hernia, he worked to save his own money for a corrective operation, then successfully volunteered for service in the Army Air Corps, and was training as a fighter pilot when the war concluded, during which time he also received the Purple Heart. After his discharge, he returned to Vanderbilt where he earned his Bachelor of Laws and Doctor of Jurisprudence degrees, and was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

His career encompassed law practice, securities brokerage at Merrill Lynch, and at his father's firm, W. N. Estes & Co., and commercial real estate brokerage with Dobson & Johnson. An avid chef, in 1974 he co-founded Sperry's Restaurant with his brother and their wives, which they operated together until selling to nephew, Al Thomas, in 2000.

He was a talented and skilled craftsman, building many beautiful pieces of furniture in both wood and wrought iron, mastering the art of "checkering" gun stocks, and was a prolific artist whose works hang in many Nashville homes. He was also an enthusiast of radio-controlled model airplanes and could be found with his son on just about any pretty weekend at the RC flying field across from the Steeplechase.

He was a direct descendant of Revolutionary War General Daniel Smith of Rock Castle and a great-great-grandson of James Houston Thomas, member of the United States House of Representatives and law partner of James K. Polk.

He was fortunate to have had a father who was a devoted outdoorsman, and who accompanied him on hunting and fly fishing excursions from childhood until after his marriage. He loved the Warner Parks, traversing them by bicycle, horseback, motorcycle, convertible and, even at age 80, on foot. He was a member of Friends of Warner Parks. His hero was Winston Churchill, and he was a man who loved England, traveling there annually with his wife for vacations and business from 1983 through 2001.

The family will receive visitors from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 9th at the First Presbyterian Church, 4815 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN 37220.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy or Alive Hospice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tennessean on Jul. 7, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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Timothy Davis

August 11, 2015

My sincere condolences regarding your loss.

David Thomas Jr., MD, MPH

July 9, 2015

Goodbye, Granddad. You've made more of an impression on me than just about anyone else in the family. My success is built on the many life lessons both you and Dad have taught me over the years. I will miss your guidance and support. But most of all, I will miss just sitting in the back yard having a good conversation.

Sri Kandikonda

July 8, 2015

David,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. You are in my prayers and may God give you the peace and comfort in this difficult time.
Sri (BSD Family)

Melisa Heithcock

July 7, 2015

Many prayers go to Judy and Evie and the rest of the family. Dick was a very sweet man and I am proud to have had the opportunity to know him for many years. My mother has been working for them ever since I was 17 years old (I am turning 40 soon)and I know she will miss him. So sad to hear of his passing.

July 7, 2015

Many prayers go to Judy and Evie and to the rest of the family. Dick was a very sweet man and I am proud to have had the opportunity to have known him.

Sheila Leslie

July 7, 2015

With many thoughts and prayers surrounding you and your family, God is wrapping his arms around you, while welcoming One of His Children home. May those thoughts and prayers offer you and your family peace during this time of loss.

Tim and Pat Haley and Parris

July 6, 2015

Evie, we are so very sorry for the loss of your father. Wish there was something we could for you and your mom and brother if we weren't so far away now. Please know our thoughts are with you; sending you much love.

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Funeral services provided by:

Nashville Funeral and Cremation

210 McMillin Street, Nashville, TN 37203

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