Donald Ray Thomas

Donald Ray Thomas Kingsport - Donnie Thomas was born in Knoxville, Tennessee and he often cited how proud he was to be from South Knoxville attending Galbraith School and graduating from Young High School where he was Drum Major in the marching band. As a drummer, he could still beat out the Young High School cadence with his drumsticks.

He was involved with theatre his entire life starting with Children's Carousel participation at the University of Tennessee and later as a speech/theatre major graduating with both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master's of Arts from UT, Knoxville.

For several years, he taught at Bearden High School and later at Maryville College and Pellissippi State College. He was one of the authors of the textbook Responsibly Spoken. Not only was he a talented teacher, but he was also an equally talented stage manager and director of theatre, serving as company manager of the Hunter Hills Theatre which was always close to his heart.

Donnie was a gourmet chef and a brilliant host. For years, he hosted a legendary annual Christmas party. At one point he had two bookcases filled with his collection of cookbooks.

He was a loyal friend and for years he went antiquing every Saturday morning and many of us were beneficiaries of his found treasures. He was a great organizer, especially of trips to Europe-Greece, England, Ireland, and Portugal. He loved visiting New York City.

Possessed of a brilliant mind, he had an incredible vocabulary. One did not argue with him over the correct usage of the English language.

A dedicated dog lover, especially of boxers and boxer mixes. He adored his Rudi and Sophie. A die-hard UT football fan, he hosted a fabulous 1999 party when Tennessee won the National Championship.

He died in hospice in Kingsport, Tennessee. There will not be a service. Donations in his honor and memory can be made to the Frontier Scholarship at the East Tennessee Foundation, the Carousel Theatre project at the University of Tennessee, or the Clarence Brown Theatre Guest and Visiting Artist's Fund.