Charles Bernie Edward Thomas Jr.

Bud graduated from McIntosh County Academy in 1973. After graduation, Bud served in the United States Air Force. Upon an honorable discharge in 1979, he followed in his father's footsteps and went to work as a commercial fisherman. Having loved boats his whole life, he and his best friend, Andy Colson, built boats for many years and opened Coastal Outdoor & Marine.

The water called him once again, and he started Reel Escape Fishing Charters, where he captained charters for many years. In recent years, he co-founded Ocean's Bounty Seafood and later became a commercial crab fisherman. He was currently employed at Darien Telephone Company.

He was an avid fisherman, hunter and grill master. Due to his witty and humorous approach on life, he was lovingly known as “Bernie” to many in the community. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles E. Thomas, Sr., and a brother, Scott Thomas.

Survivors include a son, Jackson Thomas of Darien and St. Simons; his mother, Ina Mae P. Thomas of Crescent; a sister, Juanita Gray (Billy) of Johnson City, TN; a brother, Larry Thomas (Diane) of Shellman Bluff; former wife, Mary Alice Thomas, of Cedar Point; nephews, Brooks Thomas, Philip Gray, Paul Gray and Patrick Gray; his beloved dogs, granddogs and other extended family.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 4, 2017, at Crescent Baptist Church, with Rev. Danny Stillwell officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be Mary Lou Forsyth, Ricky and Kim Boone, "Lil" Ricky, William and Chelsea Boone, Bill and Meg Wallace, Andy and Gwen Colson, Chris and Michelle Colson, Kenny (Turtle) and Judy Russell Dodd, Teddy and Bess Wolfes, David and Jennifer Stevens, Ken and Gail Johnson, Ike Maulden, Judge Robert L. "Bob" Russell, III, Jamie "Jabbo" Griffin, Donald Gordon, Lanier, Will and Robbie Gore, Nikki Lee, Ivy Shepherd, Tiffany Marinello, Steve Holley, Jeff Glenn, Mark Sanchez, Pat Brannan, Prince Anderson, Tracy Walker, The Class of 1973, The Darien Telephone Company Employees, and all beloved residents of Sapelo Island. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Those desiring may make memorials to the charity of their choice. Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com