Jack Kenneth Thomas

Jack was born on June 2, 1923, in Cherrylog, GA, one of 12 children of William J. and Willia G. Griffin Thomas. There he grew up on the family farm, developing his work ethic.

In 1942, Jack married the love of his life, Margaret Bernier. Together, they spent 80 years together, before she passed away at the age of 99. Jack is survived by his 3 children: Patti, Don and Ken, as well as 4 grandchildren.

After graduating high school, Jack helped build the Fontana Dam in Tennessee and was awarded a full-ride scholarship to the University of Georgia. During his enrollment, World War II was taking place, so he enlisted in the US Navy. There he served as a submarine radio operator, stationed in New London, Connecticut. It was during this time that he met Margaret while watching a movie in Hartford.

After the war, Jack started working for the federal government as an air-traffic controller. During this time, he and his family relocated to Washington D.C., Virginia, Maine, and Maryland. Jack retired from the federal government, and spent time between Key West, FL and Virginia Beach, VA. There he spent time square dancing, traveling, deer hunting, walking, biking, and gardening.

Jack’s love for radios extended well past his time in the Navy, becoming an avid HAM radio operator.