Edward Cleveland Thomas Jr

Mr. Edward Cleveland Thomas, Jr., 88, well-known craftsman and long-time resident of the Williamsport Pike, died Wednesday at NHC Columbia. Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Oakes & Nichols with Dr. Jim Hughes, Rev. Tom Smith, and Rev. Jeff Jacob officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery with military honors at graveside provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 222, West 7th Street, Columbia 38401. Notes of sympathy may be sent to www.oakesandnichols.com. The Maury County native was the son of the late Edward Cleveland Thomas, Sr. and Francis Bertha Mayberry Thomas and a graduate of Columbia Central High School. He was married October 23, 1941 to the former Etta Alice Thompson who preceded him in death July 27, 1990.At the outbreak of World War II, he joined the U. S. Navy serving as a carpenter's mate from 1942 - 1945. He was stationed aboard ships in the Pacific Theatre of Operation including New Caledonia. He was a member of Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19.Upon returning to Columbia following military service, he pursued his interest in cabinet-making and woodworking as a vocation which began in high school. He established the Ed Thomas Woodcraft Shop on the Williamsport Pike and during over 60 years of operation crafted many articles of furniture, cabinetry, and fine works of woodart. Mr. Thomas made a number of items for First United Methodist Church over the years including the baptismal font and other sanctuary furnishings.In 1926, at age seven, he joined First United Methodist Church and has been an active member since that time. Survivors include a daughter, Etta Alice (Ron) Lackey of Mt. Juliet; a son, John W. (Betty) Thomas of Winona, Mississippi; six grandchildren, Traci Leigh Thomas, Holly Brooks (Tony) Baker, Katherine Elizabeth Thomas Leech; Jennifer Lackey, David Lackey, and David Jeffery Barnett; four great-grandchildren; a niece, Lourece Hall Dozier of Florence, Alabama; long-time companion, Lucy Campbell of Columbia; and several other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Edward Cleveland Thomas, III.Members of Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19 will serve as pallbearers.