Thomas Deco Edison

Thomas Deco Edison, 80, ended his earthly journey and went to live with his Lord on Tuesday, August 1, 2006. He was a resident of Autumn Care of Statesville since June 8, 2006 and a former resident of Jurney's Assisted Living Facility of Statesville. He previously made his home at 365 Shiloh Road, Statesville, NC.

He was born on August 11, 1925, the son of the late Ray Terrell and Ruth Thomas Edison.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Alice Rumple Edison of the home, whom he married on May 25, 1944. Also surviving are his daughters, Rhodessa Edison; Kathryn Martin and husband, Chris; grandchildren, Tabitha Martin; Travis Martin and wife, Ambra; and great-grandson, Christopher Martin. Also surviving is a special cousin and her husband, Frances and Bill Shockley, and two nieces, Jo Jones and Linda Turbyfill,and numerous cousins and their extended families. He is also survived by special family ftiends: the Earl Riddle and Donald Tucker Families. Also surviving is a special friend from Jurney's, Barry Boahn.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant son, Thomas Alton Edison; a brother, Harold Franklin Edison; and as youths, a sister, Perry Rosalyn Edison and brother, Alvin Delmont Edison; and his mother-in-law, Katherine Simmons.

Mr. Edison was a member of Shiloh United Methodist Church for over 60 years. His church was a vital part of his life, and he supported it with his money, his hard work, and his dedication. He served on many committees during these 60 years; having been an integral part of the building committee for the church sanctuary in 1952 and also for the building of the church fellowship hall in the 1960's. He served as a Sunday School Teacher, having taught various age groups; Sunday School Superintendent; President of the United Method1st Men; Church Custodian; Church Lay Leader; and Charge Lay Leader. He was very proud that he earned the Certified Lay Speaker designation and spoke at various area churches throughout his life.

He was an alumnus of the Baptist Children's Home, Thomasville, NC. He loved the home and all that it meant to him. He served on the Alumni Association, holding the positions of Vice President and President.

He was a member of the East Iredell Lions Club -holding many positions within that organization including that of President. In 2005 he was recognized for all his efforts on behalf of the Lions Club and was made a Lifetime Member of Lions Club International. The work of the Lions Club was vitally important to him as his parents were blind.

He also worked diligently with the Yokefellow Ministries of Statesville and served on the Board of Directors of that organization.

He was a retired furniture worker from Statesville Chair Company where he had worked for 48 years prior to his retirement. At the time of his retirement he was the Assistant Foreman of the Shipping Department. After his retirement he built a woodworking shop and spent many happy hours working there.

After his retirement, and until his health failed, he appeared as Santa Claus at Signal Hill Mall, at church and nursing home events, and always for special requests for a visit from Santa for special children.

Mr. Edison will lie in state in the church sanctuary one hour prior to the funeral service. The family will receive friends prior to the funeral service from 2 pm in the church fellowship hall. The funeral services will be conducted at Shilo United Methodist Church, 742 Shiloh Road, Statesville, NC, at 3:00 pm on Thursday, August 3rd. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Honorary pall bearers will be the members of the East Iredell Lions Club.

Family members will assemble at the home of Chris & Kathy Martin, 351 Shiloh Road, Statesville, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shiloh United Methodist Church, c/o Larry Tucker, 346 Shiloh Road, Statesville,NC 28677 or to Hospice ofIredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

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Bunch-Johnson is serving the family of Mr. Edison.