Samuel Vaughn Thomas Jr

THOMAS, SAMUEL VAUGHN, JR. - age 64 of Knoxville died February 18, 2014 at Parkwest Medical Center surrounded by family and friends. Vaughn was an extraordinary man, outgoing, loving and generous. He was well known for his devotion to God, family and friends. Vaughn had a spirit of hospitality and graciousness. His hobbies included cars, reading, writing, and gardening. He was known as Mr. GQ, because he was always so well dressed. Vaughn grew up and attended school in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee. He is a graduate of Nelson Mary High School in Jefferson City, TN and later attended East Tennessee State University and Roane State Community College. Vaughn also served as a reserve member (Seabee) in the United States Navy Construction Battalion. He worked several years at the Y-12 Plant in Oak Ridge, TN, retiring in 2000 as Facilities Manager of the Y-12 Plant. Vaughn was also owner of Pro Trim, a successful landscaping and design business. He created the original landscape design for the entrance of Pellissippi Community College. As a sports enthusiast, Vaughn enjoyed refereeing numerous high school and collegiate basketball games, including the first NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. Vaughn was a devoted Christian and had a life-long personal relationship with God. He was a man with a message. His message was his love of Jesus Christ. He willingly shared his message and faith with others. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Vaughn and Annie Mae Booker Thomas. Vaughn will continue to live in the hearts of his beloved wife, Rosa Emory Thomas; daughters, Nikki Thomas and husband, Eric, Joy and Micheala Thomas; sons, Ryan Emory and Adrian Thomas; brother, Theonder Thomas and wife, Donna; sisters and brothers-in-law, Cathy and Daniel Brown and LaDonna and Todd Gibson; granddaughter, Erica Thomas; grandsons, Christopher Thomas and Drew Goins, Nicholas and Brandon Thomas; nieces, Deanna Gibson and Katlin Thomas; nephews, Jason Cloud and Preston Thomas; mother-in-law, Earline Seabrook; sisters-in-law, Karen and Valerie Emory and numerous relatives and friends. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 22, 2014 with a memorial service to follow at 1:00 p.m. at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 1807 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37915. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association or American Diabetes Association. Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel, 11915 Kingston Pike is serving the Thomas family. www.clickfh.com