'True Orkin man' Thress, 63, dies of cancer

By News Sentinel staff
May 14, 2007

If ever there was a "true Orkin man," it was Clarence E. "Butch" Thress Jr.

The 63-year-old Fulton High School graduate worked more than 41 years for the pest-control company. He rose from technician to Tennessee regional manager, the position he held when he died of cancer Friday at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center.

Thress loved the pest-control business, said Tansi Thress, his wife of almost 20 years.

"He grew up in it, basically," Mrs. Thress said. "He just blossomed."

Mr. Thress was active in the Tennessee Pest Control Association. Where he was serving as the East Tennessee Executive Board member at the time of his death.

Mr. Thress received Orkin's highest employee honor, the President's Club, nine times, said Mike M. Jones, Orkin's mid-South regional manager. Mr. Thress hired and trained scores of pest-control specialists, including Gary Rollins, Orkin's CEO, president and chief operating officer.

"He is revered for his deeply rooted ethics, his robust enthusiasm, and his confident, can-do attitude," Jones said. "He will be greatly missed and always remembered."

In addition to work, Mr. Thress loved spending time with his family and his cars. He leaves behind three children and five grandchildren.

An avid lover of hot rods, Mr. Thress showed 1930s Fords and sported around town in a Corvette. Mrs. Thress called the car his "play toy."

He also made time to teach a Sunday school class at Salem Baptist Church in Halls.