Charles “Chuck” James Thomas, 59, of McDonough, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack at his home on Friday, September 5, 2025. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Leslie Suzanne Thomas (Barnhart); his children Chase (Sandra) Thomas, Macy (Justin) Janacek, Colin Thomas, and Madalyn Thomas; his grandchildren Graham Janacek, Crew Janacek, and Meadow Thomas; his mother Juanita Purvis Thomas; his sisters Karen (Steve) Andrews and Wendy (Dan) Marks; his sister-in-law Veronica (Craig) Calhoun; his brother-in-law Kevin (Nicole) Barnhart, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Charles is preceded in death by his father James Arthur (Gene) Thomas, his father-in-law Colonel Barry Ronald Barnhart, and mother-in-law Joanne Elaine Barnhart.
He loved to laugh, he loved his family, and he loved his Savior. Charles dedicated his life to ministry, serving in various roles, culminating in serving for 18 years as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of McDonough. His life verse was Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Charles loved to tell a good story, something he inherited from his father. He also loved to hear a good story. No matter how he was feeling, he always made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Haisten Funeral Home in McDonough, Georgia from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. His Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Eagles Landing First Baptist Church at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of McDonough.
