Brother Jackie D. Thomas, Sr., resident of Opelika, Alabama, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 1, 2019. Funeral services are scheduled at Lakewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby, Phenix City, Alabama on Monday, January 7, 2019, 1 p.m. with Reverend Larry Doster and Reverend David Howle officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, January 6, 2019 from 2-4 p.m.
Mr. Thomas, son of Lura Mae Thomas and the late Malcolm Armistead Thomas, Sr. was born January 19, 1955 in Wichita Falls, Texas. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army for over 19 years and medically retired at a rank of Captain. During his distinguished military career, he received numerous medals and ribbons including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 2 OLC, Army Achievement Medal, Expert Marksmanship Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, and Parachutist Badge.
After his military service, he began a career in ministry which included serving as the Former Administrator, Edgewood Baptist Church, Columbus, Georgia. He has also served as a member of the Lee County Baptist Association. Mr. Thomas was a current member of Central Baptist Church, Opelika, Alabama.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gina Thomas of Opelika, Alabama; mother, Lura Mae Thomas of Cantonment, Florida; daughter, Laura Gulick and her husband Mike of Savannah, Georgia; son, Jackie Thomas, Jr. and his wife Rachel of Opelika; three brothers, Mike Thomas and his wife Sandra of Cantonment, Florida, Robert Thomas and his wife Barbara of Pensacola, Florida, and John Thomas and his wife Lois of Cantonment, Florida; five grandchildren, Jacob Powell, Abby Powell, Thomas Powell, Riley Thomas, and Parker Thomas; one step granddaughter, Morgan Gulick; many other relatives and friends.
