Oliver Dale Thomas

As one of God’s servants who helped others find the Light in the darkest of times, Oliver “Dale” Thomas, 80, from Johnson City, New York, was called to heaven on April 24, 2022 surrounded by his beloved family members. Dale was born on March 27, 1942 to Jacob and Barbara (Hensley) Thomas in Inez, Kentucky. After graduating from Kentucky Christian College, he completed an additional undergraduate degree at Morehead State University in education. While attending school at Kentucky Christian College and Morehead State University, Dale began what became a 46-year-long career in the ministry, which spanned many decades and states throughout the country. Dale earned his Master’s of Ministry from Kentucky Christian College in 1986. Dale was blessed to have a small but loving family. He met his wife Gale (Rayburn) Thomas while attending Kentucky Christian College. After a short courtship and engagement, they were married on August 1, 1964 in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Their marriage and Dale’s career in the ministry took them to places Dale often considered his favorites–Montana and Washington– where they went on to have three children, Kimberly Bissell, Jennifer (Patrick) Thomas-Murphy, and Joel (Danielle) Thomas, and more adventures than can be counted. Dale had seven grandchildren, many of who share his love and passion for the Florida Gators, the outdoors, and ice cream: Kailey Bissell of Sarasota, Florida; Emma Bissell of Gainesville, Florida; Liam Murphy of Pittsburgh, PA; Declan and Sadie Murphy of Chemung, NY; Jillian and Mackenzie Thomas of Endicott, NY. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Barbara, and brother Ronald. He is survived by his brother Randolph of Mayo, FL and special cousins Wayne (Susan) Raulerson of Green Cove Springs, FL. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins; as well as a host of long-time friends.

Dale’s years in the Pacific Northwest as a minister led to a lifelong passion for the outdoors–hiking, camping, skiing and national parks. That passion and sense of adventure were passed on through two generations with his children and grandchildren who continue enjoying adventures of travel, communing with nature, and having their feet on the dirt on a trail. He became an amateur photographer during his years in the Pacific Northwest, even creating his own darkroom so that he could process his own film and prints. The magic he created in the darkroom was passed down and again shared with children and grandchildren, three of who have worked professionally telling stories with their cameras and lenses.

As a minister, Dale spent much of his time counseling others in his congregation, visiting those who were ill, and holding the hands of those when needed. He showed kindness and grace at every opportunity and stepped in as a father and grandfather to those in need of spiritual guidance and a friend. He was a fierce believer, an unequivocal supporter, and was never shy with his wit or humor. As a minister, much of his time was spent with others during their lowest lows and highest highs. On many occasions, he brought two together as one in the marriage ceremonies he performed, and he brought comfort to those in need when performing memorial services. Oliver “Dale” Thomas was loved and cherished by many and touched more lives than he will ever know. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or plant a tree in his honor.

A calling hour and celebration of life will be held at Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango Street, Port Dickinson, NY, on Tuesday, May 10th beginning at 1 and 2 p.m., respectively, with hors d'oeuvres and an ice cream social to follow. The family requests that attendees help celebrate Dale’s love of the Florida Gators by donning the Gators’ orange and blue. Burial will be held at a later date in Lake Butler, FL.