Book of Memories for Malone Washington Thomason Jr.

Condolence From John Hall

Sat, 22 Aug 2015 13:01:06 EDT

My wife and I, the former Kay "Butch" Couch, became associated with Malone during his tenure as music director at Woodside Baptist Church during the late 1950s. We were in our early-midteens during those days and we were a part of Malone's Youth choir at Woodside. Malone encouraged me to sing my first solo of my life during those days, "Out of the Deep". I found the music to that song about two years ago and sang it at my church, Woodside Baptist. I have continued to be active in singing my entire life and I credit Malone with being God's instrument in encouraging me to sing as part of my Christian ministry. My wife and I have been members of Woodside our entire lives of which we are both in our 70s. Malone sang in our wedding at Woodside in December 1962. Our 53rd anniversary is coming up in December. I could write a lengthy piece about the great times we had being associated with Malone and the Sparks family throughout the major part of our lives. Let me simply say "Butch" and I cherish the friendship and Christian example he showed us throughout our lives. May God bless your extended family as you cherish your fond memories in the days and years ahead. John & "Butch"

Condolence From John Hall

Sat, 22 Aug 2015 12:57:25 EDT

Condolence From Patsy Wilson

Sat, 22 Aug 2015 01:28:57 EDT

Betty: I would like to offer you and your family my deepest and most sincere condolences and may the soul of Malone rest in peace. I was saddened by the news of Malone’s passing. I had just heard, that due to his health, you and he had quit the music program at the Senior Center. Both of you were truly a blessing and will be missed. I know that they will welcome you back with open arms, when you feel like returning to the Center. The loss of someone dear to us is never easy, but may you take comfort in the fact that you will be surrounded by people that love and care for you there. Malone loved to talk to me about Jimmy (Will) being in his youth choir many years ago. He would also tell me what a wonderful wife and mother you are. He was always willing to help at the Center, such as directing the music program, being on the board of directors, recommending the Center to others, and helping me any way he could while I was there. May fond memories of Malone bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. After so many years of marriage, I know there is an immense void left behind by the loss of your beloved Malone. May God embrace you in comfort during this difficult time. It was an honor and blessing to have known Malone. Again, my heart felt condolences to you and your family. My thoughts are with you. Patsy Wilson

Condolence From Patti Thomason DeLoach

Fri, 21 Aug 2015 12:50:35 EDT

Betty and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Molone Jr. was a very special man. As a child Molone Jr. used to sing songs to me and tell the best stories. As an adult the stories became true to life. I loved hearing these stories. I loved him with all my heart and will always do so. I know you are singing with the angels. God bless you and keep you. Love to you and your family.....always Patti

Condolence From Carol Cantrell

Thu, 20 Aug 2015 18:17:15 EDT

Mr. Thomason is known to me only through his daughter Caryl. She has blessed my life, and the lives of countless others in our community through her singing, her family, and her radiant personality. I see now that her life and talent are the resonance of her parents, inherited and amplified in every way. My heart and my prayers are with the whole family at this sad time of loss, as well as a time of celebration of a magnificent life well-lived, loving family and friends, and glorifying God. Amen, and amen.

Condolence From Eric Minter

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 21:25:17 EDT

I am saddened to hear of this great man's passing. He is one of the most exuberant people I have ever known. I loved hearing him sing "How Great Thou Art" at my father's funeral many years ago. As a child and young man our family often assembled in Toccoa and he always took a genuine interest in my life and plans. I am thankful to have known him and I will be praying for Aunt Betty and the family in the days and weeks ahead.

Condolence From Kelly Banks

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 10:56:23 EDT

Mr. T was an incredible blessing to so many in Rutherford County. He was my second Dad and the hours I spent at the Thomason house hold such wonderful memories for me. He gave me a love for music and singing and encouraged us as we played whatever sport was in season. I look forward to singing with him again someday. I'm sure he is already conducting the choir in Heaven. We rejoice at his homecoming.

Condolence From Curtis Rice

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 07:23:50 EDT

What a man of God Malone was. I remember singing in the choirs under his direction, particularly the Messiah choirs. I remember the first time I sang in it was when I met him. I was so intimidated - Here is the great Malone Thomason! But he was such a humble man and treated me like he had known me forever. I later designed some CD covers for him and it was such a pleasure. I will always remember his kindness and his joy. We will surely be missed. The heavenly choir now has a wonderful, wonderful bass.

Photo shared: palmettostate1950.jpg

Tue, 18 Aug 2015 17:05:05 EDT

Malone Thomason with the Palmetto State Quartet in 1950.

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Tue, 18 Aug 2015 16:56:27 EDT

Malone Thomason with the Palmetto State Quartet in 1949.

Condolence From David Bruce Murray

Tue, 18 Aug 2015 16:54:52 EDT

I am thankful for the impact Malone had on my life both as a child in his choirs and as a mentor when I was training to be a church music director. He was a constant voice of encouragement. I will always treasure the two songs we recorded together in 2003 and the memory of seeing him reunited with the Palmetto State Quartet on two occasions at RS Central High School.

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Tue, 18 Aug 2015 02:25:29 EDT

Condolence From Tammy Shuler Buck

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 22:23:58 EDT

I remember Malone Thomason singing the beautiful hymn "0 Master, let me walk with Thee". He did walk with God and he left indelible footprints on my heart and all of us in the choir. What a humble servant and a giant among men! God bless and comfort you, Betty, Marshall, Caryl and family. Thank you for sharing this precious man with the all of us.

Condolence From Mark Horne

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 22:09:21 EDT

Mr. T as we lovingly called him has left many memories for those of us who had the privilege to know him. He was our choir director for our school age years, our youth leader for our middle and high school years. He pushed us to excel in all we did, all for the glory of God. His athletic abilities on the softball field and basketball court made it fun to play with him. His musical talents and patience with those of us not blessed with many musical abilities was without comparison. The memories of The Messiah, the summer of This Hope, the bus rides to the softball games, the hours of BB on his driveway, the late summer nights we spent at his house (even burnt popcorn), all helped shape scores of Spencer youth. Thanks Mr. T for all the hours you devoted to us and for sharing your love of Christ with us. We miss you and feel your loss, but rejoice in knowing that you are in Heaven tonight and forever. May the peace of God provide comfort to your family. Betty, Marshall, and Caryl, you are in our prayers.

Story shared: Remembering Malone

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 18:28:44 EDT

Where does one start when knowing Malone Thomason since the early 70's. I have many wonderful memories of seeing Malone lead the Sandy Run Associational Choir in times of associational meetings, of seeing him lead music so faithfully in Spencer Baptist Church. There are countless numbers of funerals through the years that were conducted with Malone singing the "special music" for the family. He was Southern Baptist through and through and a loving, comical, spiritual, and devoted servant of his Lord. Many lives were encouraged and strengthened by Malone's words and ministry. Many souls receieve Jesus as their Lord and Savior during Malone's tenure as a minister of the gospel in music and Word.

He and I worked together on many occasions such as Revival, Bible conferences, and associational functions. He was an architect, counselor, minister, one filled with the praises of the Lord, and entertainer as he often sung solos and with a quartet at the Senior Center in Rutherford County. He was a leader in Spencer Baptist and saw a period when Spencer was one of the largest and strongest churches in the area. He will be deeply missed by those of us who saw him at Lifestyle Wellness Center in Forest City. When Christians leave this world, they are not leaving home; they are going home. Malone goes to the One he trusted all the years of His life. He sees what his sermons, songs, and praises were about. He has met his Lord and is now in His presence and has seen Him face to face. Well done thou good and faithfull laborer; you have been faithfull over a few things; I will make you ruler over many. Good night Malone! See you in glory!

Condolence From Larry Ford

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 17:32:04 EDT

Malone Thomason was a wonderful man of God, who has certainly joined the Heavenly choir. Even before I was a Christian, he welcomed me and allowed me to play drums for some performances. When I became a Christian, at the age of 24, I realized that I should confess before men. I had prayed a sinner's prayer on the side of, what is now U.S. 74-A. then immediately drove to his house. He was the person to whom I first confessed my new birth because I knew him to be a man of faith. Through the years, his faith has been unshaken. Few people can ever match his joyful faith, for which I am sure his rewards today are great.

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Mon, 17 Aug 2015 03:01:34 EDT