Truman Wayne “Paw” Thomas of Woodstock, GA passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at the age of 86. Born the youngest of eleven children on March 18, 1938, in Boaz, AL where he grew up. He moved his family to the Smyrna, GA area in 1970 and spent 40 years working for the US Department of Defense at DCASR. He was an expert at crossword puzzles, bad jokes, and one-liners. He loved singing in the Bethany UMC choir and any time he could with his family. He became “Paw” as his grandchildren arrived and passed on his singing voice to them all.
Wayne is preceded in death by beloved wife Carol Jean Thomas and son Kevin Thomas.
He is survived by sisters Molly Edmondson and Sara Edmondson, sister-in-law Shirl Brogdon, daughter-in-law Donna Thomas, children Johnny Thomas (Deb), Susan Christlieb, Elizabeth Allen (Todd), and Atha Thomas (Leta), grand children Heather Acker (Andrew), Anna Teal (Jordan), Emily Mullins(Wil), Taylor Barrett, Justin Barrett, Autumn Johnston (Nick), Emma Martin (Austin), Elise Palmer (Brandon), Jonah Thomas (Addie), and Noah Thomas and 20 great grandchildren.
At age 57 Wayne found his sobriety and after facing and conquering his own tough road began serving his community by helping others find their own way to sobriety.
The family would like to thank Delmar Gardens at Smyrna and Amity Hospice for their care and compassion they showed Paw in his final days.
Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service at Bethany United Methodist Church at 760 Hurt Road, Smyrna, GA 30082 on Friday August 23, 2024, at 1pm. Visitation with the family will begin at 11am and will continue to service time. Interment to follow at Pine Ridge Memorial Park at 2950 Cobb Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Wayne’s honor to the Bethany UMC Building Fund.
https://secure.myvanco.com/YJS4/campaign/C-YT1P
Wayne is finally at peace as he has joined his wife Carol… at last.
