Ellis Mac Thomas

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 PM on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, 3926 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00–12:30 PM prior to the service. Interment with military honors will follow in Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

Born in Bryson City, N.C., he was the son of the late Ervin Mack and Ida Belle Monteith Thomas.

Mac lived a life defined by dedication, leadership, and a commitment to excellence. A U.S. Navy veteran, he began his career with the North Carolina Department of Transportation before joining APAC in 1972, where he rose steadily through the ranks—from Engineer and Estimator to Division President in Knoxville, and ultimately Senior Vice President overseeing major operational, financial, and safety divisions across multiple states. His professional journey was complemented by an impressive academic record, including studies at Asheville Buncombe College, Columbia State University, Indiana University, and the Harvard University Graduate School of Business. Mac was a respected member of several industry associations and served in leadership roles with the Tennessee and American Road Builders Associations.

After being honorably discharged, Mac returned home to Western North Carolina, where he earned his Civil Engineering degree and began working with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. That experience launched a remarkable 30-year career with APAC, during which he moved 13 times across four states, rising through the ranks from Branch Manager in Tennessee to Regional Vice President in multiple states, and ultimately to Senior Vice President in Atlanta, Georgia. He retired in 2002 after decades of dedicated leadership.

Mac lived an extraordinary life filled with adventure, dedication, and a deep love for family, riding, playing golf, hunting, fishing and public service. His passion for motorcycles began in the early 1960s while serving in the United States Navy and stationed in Guam. With limited transportation options, Mac bought his first bike, a Triumph Tiger, and quickly fell in love with riding. Although that first bike was rough, it ignited a lifelong enthusiasm that became one of his defining joys. He later purchased a Triumph Bonneville 650 and rode it for the remainder of his tour in Guam, even making a memorable 600-mile trip from Richmond, California, to San Diego in freezing rain without rain gear or a jacket—arriving cold, tired, and hungry, but with a story he proudly shared for the rest of his life.

Riding was a constant through all of life’s changes. Mac rode Honda motorcycles throughout the 1970s and 1980s until he purchased his first Harley in the mid-80s—after that, he never looked back. He cherished the sound, feel, and spirit of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and spent many happy miles on the open road. In retirement, Mac settled back in Columbia and enjoyed exploring Western North Carolina, where he purchased a cabin in the “biker-friendly” town of Maggie Valley. He logged tens of thousands of miles on his Harleys, often welcoming friends—especially groups of Alaskan bikers—to ride in the mountains with him. His enthusiasm and hospitality even led him to being featured in the April 2009 issue of Wing Magazine, likely as the only Harley rider ever highlighted in the publication.

In 2004, Mac married Sharon, his wife, best friend, and steadfast companion. Together they shared countless miles, adventures, and unforgettable days in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a place they both cherished deeply. Mac often said he simply loved riding the mountains of WNC—and he meant it. Riding brought him joy, peace, and community.

Surviving are his wife of 21 years, Sharon Yoppke Thomas; children, Stephanie Brown (Hal), Janet Powell (Dave), McClarghty Thomas; grandchildren, Katherine Grace Brown, Maggie Belle Brown, Grayson Brown, William Powell (Laney), John Thomas Powell (Maddie), Anna Powell, David Powell; great-grandchild, Maeve Powell; sister, Ann Thomas Welch (James); brother, Robert Ervin Thomas (Carol); several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, June Evelyn Thomas Seay and a brother-in-law, Ronald S. Yoppke.

Mac will be remembered for his warm spirit, his love of the open road, his strong work ethic, and his devotion to the people he cared about. He lived fully, shared generously, and made friends wherever the road carried him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.