Orrin Westley Thomas Jr.

Orrin Westley Thomas Jr., 86, passed away June 21.

He was born in Lakeland, Fla., to Orrin and Verna Thomas.

He graduated from Lake Alfred High School in 1943 and entered the Army in November. He trained as a medic and was stationed in hospitals in Paris and Ruen, France. After Germany surrendered, he worked for the Office of Military Government finding and interrogating Nazi officers.

In 1946, he married Elaine Gibson and entered college. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in mechanical engineering. After working for several companies, he moved to Oak Ridge in 1960, where he worked at the X-10 and Y-12 plants until retiring in 1991.

He was very active in his church, Gideons International, Oak Ridge Lions Club, and Boy Scouts. He had a talented voice and sang in different places when young and in his church choir. He won a Florida state singing competition when in high school. Orrin liked everyone he met, and the feeling was returned.

He is leaving behind his wife of 65 years, Elaine, and five children, Janet and Tony McGuire of Knoxville, Karen and Bob Mabry of Del., Peggy and Jerry Johnson of Calif., Kathy Suttles of Fla., and David and Bobbie Jo Thomas of Lenoir City. He also leaves behind several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 26, at 1 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Oak Ridge. A service will be held at 2 p.m. officiated by Reverend James Henry of Central Baptist Church of Bearden, with the burial following at 3 p.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers are David Thomas, William McGuire, David Eubanks, Joshua Daugherty, Jaeland Lawson, and Shaun Herron.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Gideons International, P.O. Box 31511, Knoxville, TN 37930-1511, or Oak Ridge Lions Club, Inc., P.O. Box 4086, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-4085.