Reverend Mitchell "Mickey" Sylvester Thomas Sr.

The Reverend Mitchell Sylvester “Mickey” Thomas, 65, husband of Sandra Lewis Thomas of Pumpkintown, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, October 9, 2014. Reverend Thomas was born in Greenville County, a son of the late Nelson and Bessie Reece Thomas. For many years, he operated Mickey’s Garage in Pumpkintown and has continued his lifelong love of restoring old and classic cars. Upon receiving the call to preach he served North Fork Baptist Church in Travelers Rest, Highland Baptist Church in Taylors, and retired from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Pickens. After retirement, he continued to serve as a supply minister and when called upon conducted weddings and funerals. Reverend Thomas was one of the founding fathers of the Pumpkintown Fire Department where he was still active. He served as Chief of Gowansville, and Glassy Mountain Fire Departments. He also volunteered at Tigerville Fire Department. He was a U. S. Army veteran serving as a chemical specialist in Korea during the Vietnam War. Mickey was a Past Master of Keowee Lodge, #79, A.F.M. He was also instrumental in helping to organize the first Pumpkin Festival. Mickey had a passion for helping people during difficult times. He volunteered with the Red Cross for several years at many fire scenes as well as during wildfires in Calfornia and other natural disasters. He also worked as an EMT and First Responder in Pickens County. Mickey was greatly loved and respected by his family, friends, and community. His kindness and willingness to help others touched the lives of all who knew him. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Sandra, of the home, son, Jacob “Jake” Thomas (Marie) of Pickens, and grandchildren, Emily, Alex, James, and Connor. Surviving also are brothers, Johnny Thomas (Caroline), Chester Thomas (Fran), and Jack Thomas (Mary), and sisters, Martha Ellenburg, Vivian Burgess, and Ellen Burgess. In addition to his parents, Reverend Thomas was preceded in death by a son, Mitchell S. “Mitch” Thomas, Jr., grandson, Jeremy Thomas, and brothers, Charles and Melvin Thomas. Funeral services will be conducted 11 AM Monday, October 13, 2014 at Forestville Baptist Church with The Reverend Rob Jackson, The Reverend Carroll Plemmons, and The Reverend Derrel Robinson officiating. Burial will follow at Oolenoy Baptist Church Cemetery with The Reverend Malcolm Lance officiating. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 PM Sunday, October 12, 2014 at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens. A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com The family is at the home, 639 Oolenoy Church Road, Pickens, SC. Dillard Funeral Home