Robert David Thomas

Robert David Thomas, 78, of Connelly Springs, passed away on Saturday April 4, 2026, at his home, with his loving family by his side, after a period of declining health.

Mr. Thomas was born June 10, 1947, in McDowell County, a son of the late Robert Cling and Verzella McKinney Thomas. Robert was a member of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church and retired as a teacher from the Catawba County School System and worked as a therapist in the Mental Health system. He loved education and obtained three master’s degrees. His passion was working with students in school and clients in the health sector.

Robert served his community as past president of the Valdese Lions Club. He and his wife Ruth spent many hours selling brooms and cooking spaghetti for the many Lions Club dinners.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Robert Stephen Thomas and a granddaughter, Sabrina Thomas.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years, Ruth Neal Thomas of the home, a brother, Paul Danny Thomas (Sharon) of Spruce Pine, a sister, Linda Willis (Terry) of Burnsville and a grandson, Robert Randall Thomas of Raleigh.

Graveside Services for Robert David Thomas will be held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday April 9, 2026, in the Waldensian Presbyterian Church Cemetery. A Service of Remembrance will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday April 9, 2026, in the Waldensian Presbyterian Church with Revs Matt and Rachel Matthews officiating both services.

The family will receive friends after the services in the Pioneer Hall of the church.

An online obituary and guestbook is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com