Lt. Commander USN (ret), Glenn Frank Thomas, 90, passed away September 25 after a brief illness. He was born to the late Robert Dillworth and Willie Upton Thomas on July 28, 1932 in Nahunta, Georgia. He was a devoted and loving husband and father and the kindest person one could ever meet.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Willene Ham and brothers Upton, Billy, Paul, Robert Dillworth, jr., Ralph, and Richard Delano Thomas.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Shirleen Parks Thomas; daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Duane Harris (St. Simons); son and daughter-in-law, Tim Thomas and Nanci Cash (Brunswick); and daughter, Susan Thomas (Brunswick). Also surviving are step grandchildren, Nicole and Chris Williams, Bert Cash, and Crystal Cash and step great grandchildren, Haley and Morgan Williams, Christopher Johnson, Mariah Fennell, and Jaydin Cash. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and sister-in-law Betty Jean Thomas (Americus).
Glenn grew up in Nahunta where his father, R.D. Thomas is considered the Father of Education in Brantley County after serving over 50 years in educational settings in the early to mid-1900’s. Glenn attended Georgia Teachers College (now Georgia Southern University). Deciding not to be a teacher, he, along with his brother Ralph, joined the U.S. Navy. He was selected for pilot training and spent 22 years flying and traveling the world and retiring at NAS Glynco as a Lt. Commander.
He married Shirleen in 1954 and she followed him as a military wife. She was a life partner, many times moving around the world with children in tow. Glenn was a former member of McKendree United Methodist Church and a current member of Arco UMC. He taught Sunday School for almost 50 years, even up to a week before his passing. He truly lived his faith, never meeting a stranger and always willing to go the extra mile to help others. He enjoyed traveling and reading and was a life-long learner. He was well-versed in military history and could describe every detail of any military plane.
He was a humble man, never boasting about or even mentioning his accomplishments and generosity.
A Celebration of Life service will be held October 12 at 2 pm at the Chapel of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home, 3321 Glynn Avenue, Brunswick, Georgia with Pastor Wesley Deverger officiating. A reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arco United Methodist Church, 3820 Ross Road, Brunswick, Georgia, 31520, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home. www.edomillerandsons.com
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