Born in Anderson County, he was a son of the late Claude C. and Louise Fields Thomas. He was a member of Barkers Creek Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and as Training Union Director. He retired as staff manager from Liberty Life Insurance. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army, World War II. He was wounded and captured in Italy and spent 9 months as a POW in Moosberg, Germany.

Surviving are a son, Ray Thomas and wife Stephanie of Anderson; a daughter, Judy Craft and husband Plumer of Honea Path; a brother, Bill Thomas of Honea Path;  five grandchildren, Dana Boggs and husband Tommy of Belton, Shane McGuirt and wife Pam of West Union, Kevin Craft and wife Mandy of Belton, Tommy Craft and wife Lisa of Anderson, and Stacy Thomas of Anderson; seven great-grandchildren, Blake and Blair Fortner of Honea Path, Casey Thomas and wife Kim, Carolyn and Anna Craft, all of Anderson, Shana and D.J. Payne of West Union and Ross Craft of Belton; two great-great-grandchildren, Zoey Thomas and Bentley Payne of West Union.

He was predeceased by three brothers, Harold, Ray, and Ralph Thomas and two sisters, Lucille Bell and Kathleen Thomas.

Funeral services will be held at 3 PM Monday at Barkers Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Wesley Taylor officiating. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2:45 PM Monday at the church prior to the service. The family is at the home of his daughter, Judy Craft, 400 Firetower Rd., Honea Path. Memorials may be made to Barkers Creek Baptist Church, 3207 Highway 252, Honea Path, SC 29654 or to Solaris Hospice of Anderson, 129 Straight Drive, Anderson, SC 29621. Online condolences may be made at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com