Hilliard Lavoy Thomas

Hilliard Lavoy Thomas of Athens passed away peacefully, on April 1, 2023, at the age of 84. Lavoy, a lifelong resident of Athens, was born September 24, 1938, to Walter Hilliard “Cowboy” Thomas and Idelle McMahan Thomas. He graduated from Athens High School in 1956. In 1957, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served proudly until 1960. He married the love of his life, Donna Ruth Farrell, May 19, 1962. They were inseparable, for 56 years, until her death in 2018. For many years, he worked as a NASA security officer on Redstone Arsenal. During a short relocation to Morristown, Tennessee he also worked with Liberty National Insurance, as an Agent. Upon returning to Athens, he worked with his father in their family antique restoration business, Thomas Antiques & Restoration. This was his passion. Through his many years as a master craftsman, he restored innumerable fine antiques for families in the area. In 1993, he expanded the business to include antique sales. He grew the business until the early 2000’s when he chose to focus on being a devoted full-time caregiver to his beloved Donna. He dutifully performed this role until her death. He was a member of Athens First United Methodist Church, Athens Lodge #16 Free and Accepted Masons, Scottish Rite and Cahaba Shrine. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Hilliard Thomas and Idelle McMahan Thomas, brothers, Walter Ronald Thomas and Michael Allen Thomas and wife Donna Farrell Thomas. He is survived by his son, Jason Brett Thomas (Rhonda), granddaughter, Anna Lee Thomas, brother, Gary Morgan Thomas (Carolyn), sister, Susan Coulter, sisters-in-law, Daphne Thomas, Agnes Thomas, and Amanda Farrell, along with numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the caregivers at Limestone Health Facility and Hospice of Limestone County. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Athens First United Methodist Church - Donna Farrell Thomas Manna Ministry Fund, Hospice of Limestone County, or the Union University EDGE Program, Jackson, Tennessee. There will be a memorial service Friday, April 7th, 2023, at 12:00pm at First United Methodist Church. Visitation will from Friday from 10:00am-12:00pm. Burial will be at Athens City Cemetery.

Hilliard Lavoy Thomas

September 24, 1938 - April 1, 2023