Mar 10, 1935 – Nov 13, 2025

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” — Galatians 6:9.

Mr. Ross David Thomas, Sr., 90, of Strawberry Plains, TN, passed away on November 13, 2025, in Hillsborough, NC.

Born on March 10, 1935, in Strawberry Plains to Ed and Leola Thomas, Ross graduated from Nelson Merry High School in Jefferson City. He served as a Private in the United States Army at Fort Chaffee, AR. Following his military service, he built a distinguished career spanning over three decades as a lab technician in the Biology Division at the Y-12 Security Complex in Oak Ridge.

A devoted man of faith, Ross was a longtime member of both Calvary Presbyterian Church and Strawberry Plains Presbyterian Church. His life was marked by dedication—to his work, his community, and above all, his family.

In 1960, Ross married Princess Delores “Penny” Gillenwaters. Their 43-year marriage was filled with love and partnership until her passing in 2003. Together they raised three children: Ranota, Ross Jr., and Ralph. Ross instilled in his family the values of perseverance and education—principles that led each of his children to earn college degrees, including one MD, and inspired all six grandchildren to achieve undergraduate and advanced degrees.

Affectionately known as “Pop-Pop” and “Poppa Bear,” Ross cherished time with his grandchildren and enjoyed baseball, softball, water-skiing, NASCAR, the beach, and golf throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Penny; parents, Ed and Leola; twin sister, Reba McBee; brother, Ned Magruder; and niece, Gwendolyn McBee. He is survived by his children, Ranota T. Hall, MD; Reginald Hall, MD; Ross D. Thomas Jr. (Carmen G. Thomas); Ralph D. Thomas (Amy McMichael, MD); and Glenn E. Thomas; grandchildren, Andrew L.

In 1960, Ross married Princess Delores “Penny” Gillenwaters. Their 43-year marriage was filled with love and partnership until her passing in 2003. Together they raised three children: Ranota, Ross Jr., and Ralph. Ross instilled in his family the values of perseverance and education—principles that led each of his children to earn college degrees, including one MD, and inspired all six grandchildren to achieve undergraduate and advanced degrees.

Affectionately known as “Pop-Pop” and “Poppa Bear,” Ross cherished time with his grandchildren and enjoyed baseball, softball, water-skiing, NASCAR, the beach, and golf throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Penny; parents, Ed and Leola; twin sister, Reba McBee; brother, Ned Magruder; and niece, Gwendolyn McBee. He is survived by his children, Ranota T. Hall, MD; Reginald Hall, MD; Ross D. Thomas Jr. (Carmen G. Thomas); Ralph D. Thomas (Amy McMichael, MD); and Glenn E. Thomas; grandchildren, Andrew L. “Drew” Hall, MaryRose K. Hall, C. Delaney Thomas, Ross D. Thomas III, Jessica R. Thomas, and Jacob R. Thomas; sister, Nina Moore; nieces, Dianna Gittens and Sherri McBee; nephews, Ned Magruder Jr. and Eugene Moore Jr.; and many extended family members.

The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026 with The Celebration of Life to be held beginning at 1 p.m. at Farrar Funeral Home, 411 W. Broadway Blvd, Jefferson City, TN 37760.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to your local Chapter of the American Veterans Society.

Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, TN 37760 (865) 475-3892 www.farrarfuneralhome.com