Fred Joseph Thomas

Fred Joseph Thomas, 96, lifelong resident of Valdosta, died at Langdale Hospice House on Wednesday, October 12, 2011. A Valdosta native, Mr. Thomas was born on October 1, 1915 the son of the late Joe and Tage Thomas. After his father passed away while Fred was four years old, he was raised by his step father, Tony Thomas. Fred attended Valdosta City Schools and began work at the H & S Clothing Store in downtown Valdosta before joining the Navy during WWII. He served his country from 1943 until 1945 in the Pacific. He returned to Valdosta following the war and began work as a wholesale liquor salesman and continued until his retirement as the owner of ABC Liquors. In retirement Mr. Thomas became a fixture at VSU Blazer baseball games with his son Coach Tommy Thomas. He never missed a game. In his later years he developed a passion for bowling. At age 95 he bowled over 200 and bowled as often as three times a week. Mr. Thomas loved wheeling and dealing when purchasing an automobile. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, never missed a Sunday mass and prayed daily.

Survivors are his son, Tommy Thomas of Valdosta, his daughter and son in law, Jo and Joe Warfel of Roswell; grandchildren, Paul and Maria Jose Warfel, Jill and Jeremy Nyboer of Marietta, and Scott Warfel of Woodstock; great grandchildren, David Warfel, Anna Warfel, Sean Warfel, Carys Nyboer, Laurel Nyboer all of Marietta; a loving companion, Rose Nowell of Valdosta; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Mike Thomas, a brother, Phillip Thomas and a sister, Little Jo Nijem.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Father Dan O�Connell and Father Marvin LeFrois will concelebrate the mass. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery. A prayer service will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday evening at St. John�s, with visitation following until 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. John�s building fund, or Hospice of South Georgia. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602