Jerry Phillip Thomas

April 28, 1941 - July 16, 2016

When we hear the phrase "He left this world way too early", we usually think of people who leave us at a young age. At 74, it was way too early for Jerry to leave us. There is never enough time with our loved ones. Always words left unsaid, Stories not told, and something we've forgotten to ask about until they leave.

Jerry grew up in Mt. Olive and Gardendale, Alabama, with his Mother Violet Thomas-Bailey, Father Euell Thomas, and his siblings Janice Weichler, Karen Keeling and Steve Bailey. He married Dorothy Inman-King in 1967, and was blessed with children Steve Inman and Sheila Inman Shumway-Brown. I arrived in his life born in 1969, Teresa Thomas. His grandchildren Sally, Connie and Steve Inman as well as Aaron, Jason, Marcus and Chuck Shumway of North Carolina, California, Colorado and Alaska.

He started traveling around the country at a young age and continued to live in many places throughout his life, like Detroit, Chicago, Arizona, Texas, Colorado and California, but loved coming home to Alabama, where he had Siblings, Cousins, Aunts and Uncles, and sweet nieces and nephews he was able to be with.

He joined the Army at a young age during the Vietnam Era, where he served here in the states, and in Europe. Though he worked in various professions in his life, his love was the automobile industry, where he focused on Auto Sales. He was a self-employed business man, who was a friend to every person he knew. Maybe we all can't be in the ministry as a Pastor, Bishop or Priest, but God places us in parts of this Earth to do his work when he needs us to make a difference. Many times people would have no credit, no money and no hope. Somehow he found a way to get them a much needed car, and teach them how to get on their feet. He himself had been in bad shape, where he had to rebuild in times of his life. He knew everyone deserved a second chance.

From a daughter's perspective, Dad loved to travel. Road trips were his favorite. He could drive for days to get somewhere, not even want to stop for bathroom breaks. I think it was a way to make us appreciate arriving at the destination a little more. Always wanting to stay by the Ocean, or going to the beach, he felt free by the water.

We were the richest family in the world. Not in monetary gain, because we had hard financial times as well as fortunate times. Not a moment of my life did I not know my father loved me more than anything in the world. He was a private man. His family and small circle of close family friends were so important to him.

Asking forgiveness of what he needed to be forgiven for, and Forgiving every person who had wronged him is an example to us all. Not a rich man, he always felt he had more than most, and would be there to help others if he knew they were in a time of need.

Dad broke a generational cycle of men who did not show their love or emotion. Many times, we'd be watching a movie and a sappy part would come on. I'd be tearing up, and then look around to make sure no one would see me, and I'd see Dad just as choked up as I was and wiping the tears from his eyes.

I knew my dad was proud of me, even though he taught me to be better than I am. I never felt limits from him. He believed in every one of us if someone he cared about had an interest, he would research it, support them, read articles and pass them on and do anything in his power to help them succeed. He often shared stories of his own struggles when we had struggles we'd be comforted in knowing we are not alone. He had a large collection of books. Every so often when he was shopping he'd pick up a book or if someone told him of a good read, go out and look for it. He loved doing geneology work and gathering information online about our family. He would find numbers of old friends and call to check up on them after years of no communication, just to see how they were doing, and let them know they are never forgotten, no matter how many years had gone by. He comforted many old friends at the end of their lives and got to encourage them with loving words and fond memories before they left this world.

He survived many hardships, and always made the Lemons of life into a tall class of Lemonade, unless he brought a used “lemon” home for me to drive until he could sell it on the car lot.

The last few years he had many health struggles, and became our Miracle Man as we'd call him. His Strength and strong will is an amazing example of the legacy I will be carrying on. Daddy, we miss you already. We love you more than words on this page could ever capture. I pray for our Lord's guidance in honoring you in living a life you would be proud of. Thank you, Dad. Nobody will ever love me like my Daddy. No one will give me advice, or have the wisdom you had to guide me with a 6th sense like you have done for the last 45 years.

Until we see you again, we will share, laugh, cry and remember all the good times we had during your life. If God allows you to check in on us from time to time, I'll look forward to feeling your presence. Hug all of our loved ones that are greeting you now, especially Mama. Say hello to Elvis as he sings our favorite songs. Make sure our mansions the lord has prepared are right next door. In God's eyes, it's just a short parting. We will see you soon.