Rev. Malone Washington Thomason, Jr.

Rev. Malone Washington Thomason, Jr. passed away peacefully on Sunday August 16, 2015.

He was born in Toccoa, GA, on February 12, 1925, the oldest child of Malone Washington, Sr. and Bernice Haddock Thomason. His early years were spent on the family farm in the Rock Creek Community, and he graduated from Eastanollee High School in 1942. He worked in Greenville, SC as both an architect/builder and as Minister of Music at Woodside Baptist Church until he graduated from Furman University I 1960. He also attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. Since 1960 he has lived in Rutherford County, NC, and was involved in the music, arts, and recreational activities of the county. He served Spencer Baptist Church as Minister of Music for 38 years, and after retirement served Mt. Vernon Baptist Church as part-time Minister of Music for 11 years. He also served Southside Baptist Church in Spartanburg, SC from 1967-68. Malone was also a member of local Masonic Lodge #91.

Malone loved God, loved his family, loved all people, loved music and loved life. He was known for his enthusiasm and joy in all he did. He was most gratified by his work with the Spencer graded children's choir program. Although he received many awards, the one he cherished most was his recognition as the Outstanding Minister of Music of 1993 by Baptist music leaders, because it focused on his ministry and choirs. Youth ministry was equally important to him, both in the church and in the community. In 1967 he led a group of area youth in an outdoor presentation of one of the first contemporary Christian musicals, "Good News", in downtown Spindale, which began a tradition of youth musicals as a part of his church ministry. In later years, he organized a senior adult group, the Spencer Serving Seniors, including the "Kitchen Band" which remains a popular event at area nursing homes and senior adult groups. He also began a weekly music program at the Rutherford County Senior Center, which he continued until this year. He founded the Rutherford County Chorus in 1961, which he conducted in yearly performances of "Handel's Messiah" in addition to other works. He was a gifted singer, and recorded many albums of both sacred and popular music.

In addition to his musical contributions, Malone was always active in community recreation. He organized and played in several church and community softball leagues, and worked hard on the craft of a slow-pitch pitcher. He also enjoyed participating in basketball, bowling and golf. Most recently he was a frequent age-group medal winner in the Rutherford County Senior Games.

Malone stayed close to his farming roots by maintaining a large fruit and vegetable garden. He enjoyed spending time in his garden as well as helping neighbors with their gardens. Malone also continued his involvement in architecture and building, designing many residences, churches, and church renovations around the county.

Malone is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Betty Sparks Thomason, son Marshall and wife Roberta Laughlin Thomason, daughter Caryl and husband Wayne Price, and 5 grandsons. He is also survived by his brother Perry, his brother Mark and wife Fredda, his sister in law Jannett Thomason and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sisters Patricia and Elaine and brothers Haddock and Evatt.

A celebration of life was held at Spencer Baptist Church with Rev. Billy Vaughn, Rev. Bruce Caldwell and Rev. Kelly Settlemyre officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Spencer Baptist Church or to the Rutherford County Senior Center, 193 Callahan-Koon Road, Spindale, NC 28160.

Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the family.