Jewell Dean Thomas, Sr.

Rev. Jewell Dean Thomas, Sr., age 78, of Lula, passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2014, at his residence.
Born in Hall County, on February 8, 1936, he was a son of the late Solomon Thomas and Florence Loggins Thomas. Rev. Thomas was a retired meat inspector with the Georgia Department of Agriculture and was a U.S. Army veteran. He was a Master Mason at Lula Masonic Lodge for over 50 years. Rev. Thomas was an ordained minister and a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where he served as pastor for several years. He also served as song leader and Sunday school teacher for numerous years.
Rev. Thomas enjoyed yard work, his chickens, keeping his pond stocked with fish, and having company over to swim in their pool. He was affectionately known by his family as "Posh" having been named this by his two grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Rev. Thomas was also preceded in death by his son, Jewell Dean Thomas, Jr.; brother and sister-in-law, Merlin and Louella Thomas; brothers, Roy, Wiley, Cline Thomas and Willie Faye Thomas; brothers-in-law, Bill Sharpton and Denver Evans.
Survivors include wife of over 51 years, Betty Jean Evans Thomas of Lula; daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Greg Boling of Homer; grandchildren, Megan and Daulton Boling both of Homer; sister, Elease Sharpton of Cleveland; sisters-in-law, Winnie Thomas and Ruby Thomas both of Lula, Reba and Garland Lewallen of Baldwin, Elora Stargel of Gainesville and Ruth and Tim McCoy of Maysville; brother-in-law, Melvin and Emi Evans of Baldwin; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 4:00 pm Thursday, July 10, 2014, at the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Rev. Drewery Loggins and Rev. Melvin Baugh officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery in Lula.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Wednesday and 2 pm until the service hour on Thursday at the funeral home.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.