High Eugene Thomas

High E. Thomas, 87, passed away on September 16, 2026. He was born on January 25, 1939. An Army Veteran, he entered service on February 14, 1956, and was honorably discharged on August 18, 1958. Beloved by those who knew him, High leaves a lasting imprint through a life marked by steadfast devotion, capable hands, and faithful service to others.

High was a man of practical skill and determined workmanship. He loved fixing and renovating, and his family learned that a normal day could end with a wall gone and a room transformed—sometimes to the surprise of children returning home to find the kitchen “in a completely different room.” A skilled electrician and auto mechanic, he was the kind of person others relied on; people would line up for him to fix their cars. A true jack of all trades, he brought pride and precision to whatever needed doing.

In 1997, High was ordained a Deacon at Free Will Baptist Church. His ministry reached beyond the familiar and comfortable, touching hearts in places of profound need—from prisons to hospitals and hospice care. His faith was not merely spoken, but carried into the lives of others with steady presence and sincere concern.

High also found joy in music, playing guitar for his gospel group and even being featured on the radio. Whether working with his hands or sharing music, he carried himself with care and dignity. He cared deeply about his outward appearance and was known for being the best dressed—even while doing manual labor—an expression of the respect he held for himself, for others, and for the moment at hand. And those closest to him will remember, with fond familiarity, that High loved being right.

High’s greatest earthly partnership was with his wife, Kiki Sue Thomas. They were married for 68 years—a rare and beautiful journey of holding hands through the decades. She was 14 when they married, and from that beginning they were inseparable, never seen apart, even when High went galavanting out and about. Together, through every joy and trial, they built a lifetime of love that death can never diminish; their great love story remains unbroken, now resting in cherished memories.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Amos and Maxine Thomas, and by siblings Joe, Bill, Betty, and Yunis. He is survived by his wife, Kiki Sue Thomas; his siblings Arnold Thomas, Jamie Thomas (Sister-in-law), and Eva; and his children Edward Thomas, Diana Coon (Kenneth), Donald Thomas, Sally Thomas, and Veronica Keaton (Dwayne). He is also survived by his grandchildren Edward, Michael, Heather, David, Nicholas, Angela, Kenneth, Brittany, Douglas, Brandalyn, Matthew, Veronica, James, and Shannon, along with 34 great-grandchildren and many extended grandchildren.

“No man is indispensable, but some are irreplaceable.” “One day we will meet again with you.”