Grady Lamar Thomas, PFC. 307 Infantry, Statue of Liberty Division, died Sunday December 27, 2009, at age 88.
Mr. Thomas was born August 29, 1921, son of the late Pollie Doster and Doctor Grady Thomas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Lanoise Thomas, Lagrant Thomas and Perry Thomas.
Grady Lamar Thomas was a PFC radio operator in the Western Pacific of World War II. He received the Bronze Star Medal and Good Conduct Medal with an honorable discharge. He graduated from Bogart High School and Athens Business College. Mr. Thomas operated a farm on Cole Springs Road for 17 years.
He was a very humble man of God for 77 years; accepting Christ at 12 years old. He was called Preacher by his farm hands, was a Church Clerk, Training Union Director, and loyal member of Bethabara Baptist Church. Grady Lamar and Mary Joyce Thomas lived in Cleveland, GA for a few years and were members of Cleveland First Baptist Church for six years. They traveled overseas several times during their marriage. Mr. Thomas was a big fan of the Georgia Bulldogs.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Mary Joyce Thomas, Cleveland; daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Dr. Robert Massey of Cleveland; son and daughter-in-law, David and Brenda Thomas of Jefferson; sister, Margaret Moorhead of Summerville; brother and sister-in-law, C.G. and Judy Thomas of Bogart; brothers, B.R. Thomas of Athens, B.J. Thomas of Stathem. He was a proud grandfather of 5 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Bethabara Baptist Church on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 1 pm. Visitation will be held from 11:30 am. to 12:30 pm. Wednesday in the fellowship hall; Dr. Robert Massey and Rev. Rob Bray will officiate.
Flowers will be accepted, or contributions may be made to White County Senior Center, 1239 Helen Highway, Cleveland, GA 30528 to the attention of Jennifer Thomas, or Georgia Mountains Hospice, 70 Caring Way, Jasper, GA 30143.
A military graveside service will be held at Yonah View Memorial Gardens in Cleveland at a later date.
Online condolences may be made to the family at
http://www.barrettfh.com.
Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland.
