George Michael (Mike) Thomason, 61, of Maumelle, formerly of Camden, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 13, 2010, in his sleep at his home.

He was the general manager of Maumelle Water Management and had 26 years experience in the water and wastewater industry. He grew up in Camden and other than the five years as wastewater manager in Fairfield Bay, lived there until he and his family made their home in Maumelle in 2004. He served as an adjunct faculty member of the Arkansas Environmental Academy teaching water and wastewater classes for 26 years. He was a full-time instructor for almost four years.

He moved up through the ranks of almost all of the professional organizations for which he participated. He was awarded the National William Hatfield Award for wastewater achievement and was the Wastewater Manager of the Year for the Southwest District and the Central District of the AWW & WEA. He held the highest possible grade of water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment and industrial treatment licenses. With all of his professional achievements, his joy was with his many friends and loving family.

He loved to play golf, attend sporting events with his sons and spend holidays with his grandkids. No one ever just met Mike Thomason in passing. His big smile, bear hugs and genuine love for people touched many lives. Several communities around the state mourn his passing.

He always taught his children growing up that: “It is not what you know, but who you know.: This philosophy made him very rich in life and love because it seems like he knew everyone. We take comfort in knowing that he ‘knew’ the most important ‘who’ to know, and that is Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

He was preceded in death by his parents, A.G and Norma Thomason.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Debbie Siders Thomason of Maumelle; his four children, Faith McCasland and husband, Brian, of Camden, Rodney Thomason and wife, Jessica, of Harrison, Michael Thomason of Maumelle and Matthew Thomason of Camden; his sister, Kay Norrell and husband, Buddy, of Camden; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a host of other family, friends and colleagues.

Proctor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Calvary Baptist Church in East Camden, with burial Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

To sign the online guest registry go to proctorfuneralhome.com.