| Sources |
- [S23] Atchley Funeral Home, (http://www.atchleyfuneralhome.com/), 6 Apr 2002.
Paul William Thomason, Sr. obituary
- [S106] The Mountain Press, 23 Mar 2005.
Family remembers loved one killed in Iraq
- [S106] The Mountain Press, 1 Apr 2005.
Community says goodbye to local soldier
Family of sergeant who died in Iraq receives friends a day before funeral
By: CRAIG MINTZ, Staff Writer April 01, 2005
SEVIERVILLE - A full hour and a half before the visitation was scheduled to start, former coworkers and friends of Sgt. Paul William Thomason III began arriving at First Baptist Church Sevierville to say goodbye to the soldier and speak words of comfort to his family.
Thomason, 37, of Jefferson City, was the first member of the U.S. National Guard's 278th Regimental Combat Team to die in combat when, on March 20, his military vehicle hit an explosive device near Tikrit, Iraq.
Thomason lay in state in the front of the sanctuary of the church in the middle of numerous flowers, while a video played overhead showing pictures of his life.
Family members remembered Thomason as a person who left a good impression on everyone he met.
"He was a wonderful person," said Thomason's father, Paul William Thomason II. "Growing up, he was so happy. He was everything that you could ask for in a son."
Thomason last spoke to his son the day before he died.
"We generally laughed more than we did anything else," said Thomason of his son's calls.
He said that Sgt. Thomason believed in what the United States is doing in Iraq.
"I know my son was extremely proud of the job we are doing there," he said.
Sgt. Thomason, a life-long Sevier County resident and a member of Troop G, 2nd Squadron out of Greenville, left behind his wife, Amanda, and their four children.
"His wife is a very strong lady, and I think her strength has helped make us stronger," said Thomason's father.
He added that people locally and across the state have been very supportive.
"The people of East Tennessee are so wonderful..." he said. "It has truly been a blessing to us that so many people have shared our grief."
Thomason had four children, Megan, 10, Piper, 7, Cora Mae, 4, and Asher, 2.
"They know what their daddy did and what he stood for," said Thomason.
Sgt. Thomason was a 1986 graduate of Sevier County High School, where a plaque has been placed in his memory.
He joined the Army National Guard in March 2004. The 278th, a 3,200-soldier, Knoxville-based National Guard regiment, began a year-long tour in Iraq shortly before Christmas.
In memory of Thomason, County Mayor Larry Waters has requested that all governmental offices and businesses in Sevier County fly all United States flags at half-staff today to pay respect and appreciation to Thomason and his family.
A memorial benefit motorcycle ride for Thomason's family will be held Saturday rain or shine beginning at the old Walmart parking lot in Jefferson City. Registration is from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., and the ride will go through Dandridge and White Pine for approximately 60 miles to Ryan's Restaurant on 25E in Morristown for a buffet. The buffet will be discounted to $6 for all riders.
VFW color guard will present the colors before the ride. The cost of the ride will be any monetary donation given to Amanda Thomason and family at Ryan's Steakhouse. For more information, call (423) 587-1924.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today at the church. U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, Congressman Zack Wamp, Congressman Bill Jenkins, and State Rep. Richard Montgomery plan to attend, according to Atchley Funeral Home.
Wamp sent a flower arrangement with a note that read, "We are so grateful for the ultimate sacrifice of Sgt. Paul Thomason of the 3rd. His courage and dedication will never be forgotten."
Interment will follow the funeral at Knob Creek Cemetery in Seymour.
* cmintz@themountainpress.com
Community says goodbye to local soldier
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, d. 6 Apr 2002, Blount Memorial Hospital, Maryville, Blount County, Tennessee