[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 12 (Thursday, February 10, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    WADE THOMAS SR., TUSKEGEE AIRMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES H. TAYLOR

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 10, 2000

  Mr. TAYLOR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Western North Carolina and 
America lost a true hero last week when Wade Thomas Sr., a Former 
Tuskegee Airman, passed away.

                            WADE THOMAS SR.

       ASHEVILLE--Wade Hamilton Thomas Sr., 77, of 2 Mardell 
     Circle, died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2000, at Mountain Area Hospice.
       A native of Jackson, Miss., he was a son of the late 
     Harrison Spurgeon and Loalor Bandy Thomas. He was a graduate 
     of Pearl Senior High School in Nashville, Tenn., and 
     Tennessee State University, where he graduated with honors. 
     He completed post-graduate study at Indiana Central 
     University and the University of Tennessee.
       Wade enlisted in the Army and was a member of the famed 
     ``Tuskegee Airmen,'' an all Black fighter squadron. His 
     professional career included employment with the State of 
     Tennessee, U.S. Post Office and U.S. General Services 
     Administration. He retired from USGSA as a buildings manager, 
     Region IV, Atlanta. In Asheville, he worked as a management 
     consultant, accountant and real estate broker for over 30 
     years.
       He was active in many professional and civic organizations 
     including the National Association of Public Accountants, 
     N.C. Housing Commission, Asheville Board of Adjustments, 
     Asheville Civil Service Board (vice chair), Daniel Boone Boy 
     Scout Council, Asheville Board of Realtors (vice president), 
     Asheville-Buncombe Human Relations Council, YMI cultural 
     Center (treasurer) and Asheville Optimist Club. Wade was a 
     member of the Basilica of St. Lawrence.
       Wade was a proud member of several fraternal and masonic 
     organizations including Venus Lodge No. 62 F&AM, Gizeh Shrine 
     Temple No. 162, A.E.A.O.N.M.S., Asheville Consistory No. 253, 
     Daughters of Esther No. 128 OES PHA and Omega Psi Phi 
     Fraternity. He received numerous awards and certificates of 
     service for his professional, civic and masonic service.
       Surviving are his wife, Mary Katherine Scruggs Thomas, who 
     worked very closely with him both as a realtor and an 
     accountant; seven sons, Wade Jr. (Ora), Karl, Harrison, 
     George, Kenneth, Rex and Axel, all of Nashville; three 
     daughters, Korda (Don) Henry, Renae and Michelle Thomas, all 
     of Nashville; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a 
     daughter-in-law, Stephanie S. Thomas; two cousins, Claudyne 
     Jefferson and Carlotta (Joe) Morton; other relatives and many 
     friends.

  I know the Members of the House will join me in extending heartfelt 
condolences to his family and friends.

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