THOMAS — William Robert “Bob” Thomas, 77, of St. Marys, Ga., passed away peacefully at his home Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, following a battle with ALS.
Bob was born Dec. 27, 1944, in Charleston, S.C., as the middle child to the late Fred C. Thomas III and Janie K. Thomas. He was raised on James Island, S.C., with his two brothers, Fred C. Thomas III and Gerald Thomas. He graduated from James Island High School.
He graduated from Clemson University in 1972 with a degree in industrial management.
Bob served in the U.S. Army (active) from 1968-71, then stayed with the Army Reserve for another 26 years, retiring in 1997 as a lieutenant colonel. He went to work for Lockheed Martin with the FBM program at POMFLANT in 1975. He then was transferred to Sunnyvale, Calif., in 1983 as part of the Leadership Development Program. In 1985, he and his family moved to St. Marys, Ga., where he continued his career with Lockheed Martin at SWFLANT until his retirement in 2005 after 30 years of service.
On May 30, 1970, Bob married the love of his life, Diane “Chris” Thomas. Together, they raised two beautiful children, Elizabeth Chrisman Thomas LaPha and William “Will” Robert Thomas Jr. After his retirement from Lockheed Martin, there wasn’t a fishing pole or a golf club far from his hand. Over the years, Bob served his community and church in many capacities, including, but not limited to, Sunday School teacher, basketball coach, elder in the Presbyterian Church USA, PTA president at St. Marys Elementary School, member of St. Marys Kiwanis Club, and most recently serving as the Share a Meal coordinator at St. Marys United Methodist Church. When asked what he loves most about serving in the ministry, he said, “I enjoy doing things for other people, especially those less fortunate than me.” He also said, “Find a ministry that you believe in and that you would enjoy doing and serve in that capacity.”
Survivors are his wife of 52 years, Chris Thomas of St. Marys; daughter, Elizabeth (Steven) LaPha; and grandson, Luke Thomas LaPha; son, Will Thomas; brothers, Fred (Kaye) Thomas and Gerald (Janice) Thomas; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, in the St. Marys United Methodist Church chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service (10 a.m.) in Bailey Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Marys United Methodist Church, the ALS organization, or Hospice of the Golden Isles.
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.