Cornelius K Thomas Jr.

June 26, 1927 – August 29, 2020 Cornelius Kelly Thomas, Jr., age 93, of Birmingham, Alabama, went home to the Lord August 29, 2020. Kelly was the son of Cornelius Kelly and Carrie Merle Thomas of Linden, Alabama. Kelly grew up on a farm in Linden, AL where his parents taught him the meaning of dedication and focus to the job and where he was actually driving a school bus at the age of 14. He graduated from Linden High School and attended the University of Alabama where he met his wife of 72 years, Bettye Stocks. Upon graduation and marriage, they moved to Irondale and joined Irondale United Methodist Church in 1948. He served as a Sunday School Teacher and Treasurer continuously for 50 years. Kelly also taught many Bible studies and served on numerous committees during his time there. Kelly was also an active member of the Men’s Club and Amazing Grays at Irondale Methodist. His love and passion for Jesus Christ and teaching His word never wavered and he showed that in his life example to all who knew him. His favorite Bible verse was Matthew 25:23 “His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord”. Kelly’s career was as a banker at First National/AmSouth Bank for almost 30 years. Kelly was an avid reader and served on the Board of Directors of the Irondale Public Library for 13 years. Kelly is preceded in death by his parents Mr. & Mrs. Cornelius Kelly Thomas, sister, Eulalie Thomas Jones, sister Nell Thomas Harrison, granddaughter Ashely Smith Coe. He is survived by his wife Bettye, daughter Deborah Snow (Alden), daughter Kelleen McManus (Kelly), son Neil Thomas (Bonnie), brother John Payne Thomas (Carolyn), grandchildren Nicholas Smith, Brytney Cobia, Cathryn Snow, Cristeana Thomas, Kelly Thomas and Katie Thomas. Two Great grandchildren, Kellen Smith & Claire Cobia. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests Memorials to the following: Irondale United Methodist Church, 400 Deering St., Irondale, AL 35210, Eastern Area Christian Ministries, 8002 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35206, or a mission of your choosing. Kelly’s life will be celebrated at a service at Irondale United Methodist Church, Tuesday, September 1 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive guests at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m.