Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces the death of Robert “Rick” Thomas, Blairsville, Ga. on Wednesday, Sept. 26 following a brief illness. He was the son of the late Robert M. and Ruth J. Thomas of Scottsburg, Ind. Born in Henryville, Ind., he was a resident of Blairsville since 1996. Previously, he and his wife of 51 years, Jeri Stewart Thomas, were residents of Gainesville. He is survived by his wife, a son and daughter-in-law, Brent and Dora Thomas of Scottsburg; a daughter and son-in-law, Shannon and Andrew Bothwell of Alpharetta and a daughter and son-in-law, Leanne and Carnell Floyd of Roswell. He is also survived by brothers, David Thomas of Deputy, Ind. and Todd Thomas of Jeffersonville, Ind. and a sister, Cindy Sizemore also of Jeffersonville, Ind. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Kaylee and Sarah Thomas; Kaleb and Alicia Davoudpour; and Tyler Bothwell.

A graduate of Perdue University and Western Michigan University, he held a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, he worked both as a consultant and with a number of companies, including Pillsbury and Nabisco.

In retirement, his greatest pleasures were his home and family, golfing with dear friends, and the mountains. He will be remembered for his love of life and laughter, and he was blessed with being able to know and enjoy his family to the end.

The family will receive friends at Cochran Funeral Home in Blairsville from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28. Services will be at Hoagland and Stewart Funeral Home in Scottsburg, Ind. on Saturday, Oct. 6. Interment also will be at Scottsburg Cemetery.

Arrangements for local services have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville. Please sign the guest registry on our website, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.