Thomas Lake Runion, 98, of Marietta, passed away the morning of 16 of October, 2020. He was born to the late John and Julia (Raper) Runion on September 14, 1922 in Turtletown, TN. Thomas married Jerry Cheek of Turltetown, TN on November 19, 1950.

Thomas was known by many as "Lake". He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942 and served with the 2 nd Marine Division in the Pacific Theater in World War II. Following the war, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces, which later became the U.S. Air Force. He served during the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts and retired from the Air Force with 24 years of military service. Lake met his wife of 64 years while in Turtletown, TN. After marriage, they moved to several duty stations, until Lake retired from the military in 1967. Lake worked over 14 years in maintenance with the Cobb County Board of Education school system in Marietta, until his retirement in 1988.

Lake enjoyed the outdoors and gardening. He was known for giving friends and neighbors vegetables out of his garden. He was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Rainbow Post, in Marietta, where he served as an Honor Guard member. He was also a Masonic Lodge member in Marietta for over 60 years. Lake was a member of the Elizabeth Baptist Church in Marietta. Those surviving him are his children, Steve Runion, David Runion, Judy Hicks (Emmett) and Bryan Runion, grandchildren, Melissa Boettcher, Matthew Runion, Nathan and Joshua Hicks, Jimmy and Jonathan Runion, and sisters Vesta, (Jib), Mary Jo, and Babe. Preceding Thomas in death are his parents and his wife Jerry Lou Runion, also his
brothers Charlie, Carl, Mart, John (Luke), sisters Pauline, Helen, and a granddaughter Ashlynn Runion.

Services for Thomas will take place at Elizabeth Baptist Church with Mark Erion presiding. Visiting hours will take place from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Saturday, October 17 at Marietta Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Rolling Hills Memory Gardens, 4355 GA-92, Acworth GA .

In lieu of flowers, please donate to: VFW Post 2681, 140 Powers Ferry Rd, Marietta, Ga 30067