Wayne E. Thomas, 77, of Dahlonega, died April 30, 2014.

Born July 27, 1936 in Blairsville to the late Loy and Evia Thomas, he had been a resident of Dahlonega for the past year after living in Gilmer County form 2000 to 2013.

He had also previously lived in Lilburn.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Dawsonville and a U.S. Army Veteran, who served from 1959-1965.

He retired after 30 years of service with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, where he worked as a computer systems trainer.

A devoted husband and father, his wife, Verdell M. Thomas, also preceded him in death.

Survivors include his sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff and Pam Thomas of Lilburn, the Rev. Keith and Cerena Thomas of Dahlonega; sisters-in-law, Nina Moss of Dahlonega, Opal Beaver of Lilburn; grandchildren, Christy Cassidy, Katlin Sims, Joshua Thomas, Carissa Thomas, Timothy Thomas, Laura Thomas; various other relatives also survive.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. May 5 at the First Baptist Church of Dawsonville with the Dr. Jim Gaines officiating. Interment followed at 3 p.m. in the Old Union Baptist Church Cemetery in Young Harris.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville was in charge of the arrangements.