Gerald Monroe Thomas Sr

Gerald Monroe Thomas, Sr. of Athens, Georgia, age 90, passed away on May 28, 2015 after an extended period of declining health. Born on January 29, 1925 in Stuart, Florida, he was the son of Paul Olynthus Thomas, Sr. and Ruby Lee Mullis Thomas.

He graduated from Stuart High School and then enlisted in the Army in 1943. Serving in Europe during World War II, he earned 4 battle stars and the Bronze Star. After an Honorable Discharge from the Army in 1946 he attended Florida State University in the first male class. He graduated from Northern Illinois College of Optometry in 1950. He opened his optometry practice in Athens in 1951.

While attending FSU, Gerald met Sarah, and they were married in 1952. Sarah was Gerald’s biggest supporter in his practice and his work in state and national optometry offices.

Gerald had a successful optometric practice for over 50 years and contributed to the optometric profession in many ways. He served in all of the offices of the Georgia Optometric Association, including President in 1961, and was voted Optometrist of the Year in 1962. He served in all of the offices of the Southern Congress of Optometry, including President in 1974. He also served on committees for the American Optometric Association and was a charter member of their Sports Vision Section. In 2003 he was granted the GOA’s first ever Master Service Award and the GOA sponsored a study room in the University of Georgia’s Zell B. Miller Learning Center in his honor. This was a fitting honor as Gerald’s other love was the University of Georgia Bulldogs. He served as optometrist for the UGA Athletic Association for 37 years. He enjoyed examining the players’ eyes, watching practices, being on the sidelines during games, and traveling with the team. UGA was one of the first universities to promote eyecare for their athletes. He was a member of the Lions Club and Shrine Club, serving as their President in the early years. He also was a Mason, and a member of Central Presbyterian Church, Athens Country Club, and Touchdown Club.

Gerald was a beloved father and grandfather. His family, friends, and profession were the cornerstones of his life. Gerald was best known for his sense of humor, hospitality, and a gift for making everyone feel welcome

Gerald was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sarah Virginia Jackson Thomas, his parents, and brother, Paul O. Thomas, Jr. He is survived by son Gerald (Jerry) Monroe Thomas, Jr. and wife Gail, of Savannah, GA; daughter Suzanne (Sue) Thomas Townsend, and husband Whit, of Hartselle, AL; and son Stuart Jackson Thomas, and wife Sharon, of Athens, GA; grandchildren, David Gatlin of San Francisco, CA, Paige Holden Thomas of Atlanta, GA, Amelia Diane Thomas, of Atlanta, GA, and Mary Stuart Thomas, of Athens, GA, and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to University of Georgia Foundation / UGAAA Sports Medicine Support Fund, Attn: Debbie Daniel, PO Box 1472, Athens, GA 30603, or Georgia Optometric Foundation, 400 West Peachtree NW, Suite 201, Atlanta, GA 30308, or Central Presbyterian Church, 380 Alps Rd, Athens, GA 30606.

Services will be held at Central Presbyterian Church on Sunday, May 31, 2015, at 2:00 PM, with a reception following.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.