Marion Eugene (Johnny) Thomas

Marion Eugene “Johnny” Thomas, age 80 of Gainesville, passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2016 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following a sudden illness.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 11:00am at Blackshear Place Baptist Church with Rev. Bradley Elliott, Rev. Doug Saxon, Rev. Chuck Nation and Dr. Terry Crawford officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 25, 2016 from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm at the funeral home.

Mr. Thomas was born February 26, 1935 in Gainesville, Georgia to John Howard Thomas and Laura Seay Thomas. He served in the United States Army and was a member of Air Line Baptist Church. Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Randy Benton.

Johnny had a lengthy career in the United States Post Office starting in the 1960’s. He worked in both the Gainesville and Flowery Branch offices. He retired in 1991 as Postmaster at Flowery Branch.

Johnny left a great legacy to country music as a guitarist and his passion and talent will be the greatest memory for many who knew him. He started his musical career as a teenager playing the steel guitar, an interest that started from observing his father (Howard Thomas, a gifted musician in his own right). Johnny later transitioned to guitar when he joined the Army in 1953. He played in many bands including Back Porch, and many enjoyed their music as the July 4th Memorial Park BBQ. He earned many accolades and awards in his musical career including being inducted into the Georgia Hall of Fame (He entered the Atlanta Country Music Wall of Fame in 1999 and was later inducted into the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame in 2014).

Mr. Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Janice Thomas of Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law, Marty and Kay Thomas of Jefferson; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Shelia Thomas of Cleveland; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Judy and Gerald McDuffie of Cornelia; sister-in-law, Brenda Fowler of Braselton; sister-in-law, Gaby Benton of El Paso, TX and a number of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Gideons International www.gideons.org

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA 30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com