William Ross Thomas Jr.

William Ross Thomas of Roswell passed away January 24, 2024, at the age of 96. He was born October 1, 1927, in Brooks County in Georgia to parents William Ross Thomas, Sr. and Cora Bell Castleberry Thomas. Ross was the oldest of three brothers and graduated from Moultrie High School in 1945. He attended the University of Georgia his freshman year before enlisting in the US Air Force. While stationed in the US and in northern Africa, Ross attained the rank of Staff Sargent. Following four years of service, he completed his education at Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management, class of ’55. Ross was well known as a lifelong Auburn Tiger fan. Following graduation, Ross entered the management training program at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. in Gadsden, AL and married the love of his life, Vivian Vines. 1955 was a big year for Ross with Auburn, Goodyear, and Vivian. Ross and Vivian were inseparable for 68 years. Ross completed his nineteen years with Goodyear as the Industrial Relations and Employment Manager for the plant in Union City, TN. In 1974, Ross, Vivian and family moved to Roswell where Ross was Comptroller for Copeland Drugs, Inc. In 1982, Ross accepted the position of Personnel Director for City of Roswell and found this most rewarding for the next nineteen years retiring in 2001.

Ross married Vivian Vines on October 29, 1955, at the Funston Baptist Church in Moultrie and they started married life in Gadsden where they made many friends which they are still close to today. Three sons, Kent, Jeff, and Scott were born between 1957 and 1963. The young family moved to Union City in 1968 where Ross was responsible for staffing a new plant for Goodyear from the ground up. The final move for Ross and family to Roswell was in 1974. The church was always an important part of Thomas family life in Gadsden, Union City, and in Roswell where Ross led by example as a Deacon for many years. This year will mark fifty years of membership at Roswell First Baptist for Ross and Vivian. Ross was also an active volunteer and developed many long-term friendships in the Roswell Lions Club and in the Kiwanis Club in Union City. In retirement, Ross enjoyed watching grandchildren’s activities / sporting events, as well as travel, bridge, supper clubs, and football watch parties with a large circle of lifelong friends. Following the loss of son Scott and an extensive stroke in 2018, the last few years were tough for Ross. He never complained. With the dedicated support of Vivian, extended family, many dear friends, and exceptional caregivers (George and Yimi), he made the best of a difficult situation. He passes from this life to a better one. He will be missed but his example and influence live on in all who knew him well.

Ross is survived by his beloved wife Vivian; son Kent Carlin Thomas and wife Lisa Ferguson Thomas of Austin, TX; son Jeffrey Ross Thomas and wife Leslie Jones Thomas of Johns Creek, GA; daughter in law Susan Olmsted Thomas of Dunwoody, GA; grandchildren Ross Watson Thomas and wife Jordan Miles Thomas of Round Rock, TX; Robert Reed Thomas and wife Cici Riddle Thomas of Atlanta; Jeffrey Hunter Thomas and wife Emily Bitzer Thomas of Alpharetta; Camden Thomas Nowicki and husband Jonathan Ryan Nowicki of Atlanta; Andrew Nelson Thomas and wife Joan Thomas of Auburn, AL; Rachel Berenger Thomas of Atlanta; and great-grandchildren Baker Scott Thomas and Navy Todd Thomas of Alpharetta; Ross Watson Thomas II of Round Rock; brother Owen Jerome Thomas of Moultrie; and nieces and nephews.

Ross is predeceased by son Scott Vines Thomas of Alpharetta; brother Arnold Turner Thomas of Moultrie.

In honor of Ross’ life, the family requests that memorial gifts be given to Roswell First Baptist Church. https://fbroswell.org/give/ or the family will accept flowers.

To celebrate Ross’ life, a memorial service will be held at Roswell First Baptist Church, 710 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell Ga on February 10 at 1:00 pm. The family would like for all who are present to join them in the parlor for a reception following the service.