John Robin Thomas Sr. died peacefully at Riverside Senior Living Center on Christmas Day surrounded by his family. John Robin was born December 2nd, 1938 in Decatur Alabama. John Robin graduated high school from Tennessee Military Institute. He attended the University of Alabama and Bowling Green Business College. John Robin served several years in the Air National Guard before returning to Decatur Alabama and joining his father in the family furniture business. John Robin married the love of his life Linda Jo Burroughs in 1962. They were married for 48 years before her death in 2010. John Robin and Linda Jo operated Thomas Town House Furniture many years in Decatur before moving the furniture store to Greenbrier in Limestone County. John Robin had many hobbies and interests including being an avid model train collector, antique collector, and harvesting his blueberry bushes every summer. John Robin loved being on the Tennessee River boating and fishing. He was still waterskiing at age 70.
John Robin is survived by two children, Jana Thomas (Rebecca Lackey), John Robin Thomas Jr. (Heather), five grandchildren, Trae (Ariel), Evan (Racheal), Ethan, Kara Grace, great grandson, Hayes, two brothers, Dan Thomas (Judy), Jerry Thomas and sister in law, Janie Hopewell (John) and several nieces and nephews. John Robin was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Jo Thomas, and parents, Robin and Jane Thomas.
John Robin’s time at Riverside Senior Living over the past 7 months was spent enjoying the view of the River and Trains passing by. He thrived in the loving and caring community at Riverside. The family wants to express its sincerest gratitude to John Robin’s many friends, staff and caregivers at Riverside. We would also like to thank Hospice of the Valley for guiding the family during the last days of his life.
Visitation will be at the Church of The Good Shepherd Episcopal on Sunday, January 7th, from 1:00 pm until 2:00pm. The graveside service will be at 2:30pm at Decatur Cemetery with Reverend Bude Van Dyke officiating and Rideout Funeral Home directing. Memorials may be made to Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Decatur, Hospice of the Valley, Delano Park Conservancy, The Way Church in Athens, or National Children’s Advocacy Center.
