HOWARD LEE THOMAS, age 92 of Murfreesboro passed away Sunday August 26, 2012. He was a native and lifelong resident of Rutherford County. He was the son of the late James C. Thomas and Ethel Morris Thomas Steagall. He was preceded in death by his wife Christine Walden Thomas, son Ronald E. Thomas, infant daughter Barbara Ann Thomas, granddaughter Tee Clutter, great grandson Daniel Wheeler, brothers Grady Thomas, Charles Thomas, Walter Thomas, Jack Steagall, and niece Karen Thomas. Funeral services will be 10:00 am Wednesday at Woodfin Funeral Chapel, with Brother Morgan Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Cothran Cemetery. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife Gladys S. Thomas of Virginia, son James H. Jim (Beverly) Thomas of Murfreesboro, daughter Betty Thomas (Richard) Hendrick of Murfreesboro, daughter "in-law Patricia Thomas of Murfreesboro, grandchildren Richard Rick (Sandra) Hendrick, Lora K. Hendrick, Michael Thomas Hendrick, Lisa Thomas (Tom) , Candy Bickford (Curt) Wooten, James S. Jimbo (Jennifer) Thomas, Michelle Shelly Thomas Cox, Dawn Thomas (Christopher) Ashley, Jason Lee Thomas and Jenna Thomas, 13 great grandchildren, sisters Sue (Lee) Jones and Jane (Bill) Bennett, sisters-in-law Bonnie Thomas and Lillie Mae Thomas, nephews James Grady Thomas Jr., and Charles P. Thomas II. Mr. Thomas was a member of Rockvale Church of God; he served in the U.S. Navy (Seabees) during World War II, and retired from Avco Aerostructures with 38 years of service. Visitation will be 4:00 until 8:00 pm Tuesday at Woodfin Funeral Chapel. On line condolences may be made to www.woodfinchapel.com. (615) 893-5151.