The only child of Mary Lou Brooks and Roy Thomas Foster, Sr., Thomas was born on May 5, 1932 in Huntsville, Alabama. At the age of four, he moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee with his mother and stepfather who worked for the government ammunition manufacturing plant that produced the world’s first atomic weapons.
Thomas attended the local elementary and junior high schools and graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1949. He began college at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and continued his studies at Georgia State University in Atlanta, where he majored in Interior Design and Architecture.
A gifted designer with an inspired artistic eye, he enjoyed a long and successful career in metropolitan Atlanta, partnering with Elizabeth Rubenoff of Rubenoff Interiors. Long after he retired, Thomas was happy to lend his design expertise to numerous grateful friends.
In his spare time, Thomas was a regular volunteer at Grady Memorial Hospital and Hospice. He also spent many hours at the Center for the Visually Impaired serving as a docent and assisting with special projects.
Thomas relocated to Chattanooga in 2004. He divided his time there be-tween volunteering at Metropolitan Ministries and worshipping at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where he was a verger and assisted with special projects. A gracious, natural host, he loved throwing parties for friends at his home in his spare time.
Upon moving to St. Petersburg, FL in 2014, Thomas continued his volunteer efforts, lending his talents and time to special projects at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.
Al and Thomas traveled all over the United States from Anchorage to Santa Fe to Washington, DC. They also as enjoyed international trips to Canada and England and most recently, a cruise to the Mediterranean. However, Thomas was always most content returning home to their beloved rescue dog Lulu who happily reclaimed her rightful place in his lap.
Thomas was the consummate gentleman, always offering friendship with respect and dignity. His willingness to serve others was devoid of self-satisfaction. He never looked down on those less fortunate than he, but found a way to lift them up with compassion. Possessing a quiet moral courage, Thomas expected the best from people and was not afraid to give a look or a nudge to get them there.
He was a tender, devoted godfather to his three godchildren who delighted in living next door to their “Tee” for several years in Peachtree Park. A life-long dog lover and owner, he enveloped many pups in his doting care.
Finally, Thomas was just plain fun to be around. In a lilting Southern drawl, he regaled his friends with entertaining stories, punctuated by his easy, infectious laugh. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.
He was predeceased by his parents, Mary Lou Brooks and Roy Thomas Foster, Sr. as well as his partner, Amos Burroughs, who passed away in 2002.
Thomas is survived by his partner, Al Carrico. A memorial will be held at a future date in the Fall. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to one of the organizations close to Thomas’ heart:
Metropolitan Ministries in Chattanooga, TN
Pet Pal Animal Shelter in St. Petersburg, FL
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