Duck Thomas

Donald Wayne "Duck" Thomas, age 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 23rd at 11:00 AM at Heritage Funeral Home with Lane Ransdell officiating. Burial will follow in the Garden of Freedom at Maury Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends on Thursday, May 22nd from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on June 23, 1946, in Breckinridge, Kentucky, Donald—affectionately known as “Duck”—was a man who lived with integrity, humor, and a deep love for his family. After graduating high school, he pursued further education at trade school for four years. He began his career with International Harvester in Kentucky and went on to work over 30 years at General Motors.

Duck was a longtime member of Thompson Station Church and a proud 50-year member of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Kentucky #104359. He also served four years in the United States Army. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, and spending time on the water. A passionate fan of Kentucky basketball, he rarely missed a game and cheered on the Wildcats with unwavering enthusiasm. More than anything, his grandchildren were the light of his life—his #1 buddies—and he treasured every moment with them.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Ruby Bonnita “Bonnie” Thomas of Spring Hill; daughter, Nicole (Vincent) Edwards of Spring Hill; and cherished grandchildren, Mason Thomas Edwards and Hazel Channing Edwards. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jean and Jim Blair of Silver Spring, Maryland, and niece, Kaitlyn Blair of Omaha, Nebraska; and a great nephew, Gunnar Young.

He was preceded in death by his father, Earnest (Mickey)Thomas; his mother, Margaret (Edgar) Lewis; his nephew, Travis Blair; and his sister-in-law, Linda Sue Hazel.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Wednesday night men’s group “The Hanger” at Thompson Station Church.

The family requests memorial donations be made to The American Cancer Society, 2000 Charlotte Ave. Nashville, TN 37203.