Alfred Nelson Thomas

Alfred Nelson "Chink" Thomas passed from this earth on Wednesday, August 6, 2025_ in Chattanooga, TN at Hospice of Chattanooga Care Center. He was born in Red Bank, TN and lived the majority of his life in the Chattanooga area. He became a Christian while working on location in Missouri. He studied the Bible with his co-workers and was subsequently baptized at the St. Claire Church of Christ.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Brian N. and Joshua R. Thomas; his parents, Young M. Thomas and Ruby J. Davis Thomas: his brothers, Robert A. "Bobby" and Young M. "Junior" Thomas; and sister, Carolyn J. Baker.

He is survived by his sisters: Doris I. "Dot" Hicks, Melba J. Clift, Shirley A. (Fred) Oliver; sister-in-law, Mary Alice Thomas; several nieces, nephews, friends and a cat named Puss.

Al "Chink" attended Red Bank High School and joined the Navy when he was 19 years old. He served in Viet Nam piloting boats in the Mekong Delta Waters. These men were known affectionately among themselves as the "Mekong River Rats." Following his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Chattanooga and started working at Olan Mills Portrait Studio as a photographer. He then transitioned to the Insurance Industry with Randle & Co doing insurance claims adjusting. His time as an adjuster morphed into a "Storm Trooper" position that took him to many places in the U.S. As a Trooper, he primarily did catastrophic claims for multiple companies on location following tornados and hurricanes wherever they blew in and landed. During those seasons, Al stayed on the road more than at home. He even took his son, Brian and started introducing him to the catastrophic insurance adjustment industry. After retiring, he spent time buying/selling cars, traveling and enjoying his home on the beautiful Tennessee River.

Visitation is 10:30 am – 12:30 pm Thursday at Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace. The service for Al "Chink" Thomas will be held at 12:30 pm in the chapel of Lane Funeral Home. Interment will follow at 2:00 pm Thursday in Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors. Honorary Pallbearers include Chris and Brett Baker, David, Jonathan and Jordan Hicks and Jeff Disher.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Shriners Hospital for Children and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415, (423) 877-3524, lanefh.com