Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Banner Thomas
1956 - 2017
Banner Thomas
1956 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1956
DIED
2017
Banner Thomas Obituary
The band, founded in 1975 by guitarist Dave Hlubek in Jacksonville, Florida, is known for its hit song "Flirtin' With Disaster." The group announced Thomas' death via its official Facebook page:
"Molly Hatchet bassist, Banner Thomas passed away this morning. From 1978 - 1983, Banner played on the first four MH albums, including the hit Flirtin' With Disaster. He left the band and was replaced by Riff West, also deceased, who played on the next 5 albums. Tim Lindsey has been the bassist for nearly fifteen years and continues to carry the torch forward. Our prayers and condolences extend to Banners family and friends. RIP"
According to posts on his own Facebook page, Thomas had been treated for pneumonia just days before he died. He had plans to resume playing concerts with his current band, Those Guys, also based in Jacksonville.
Click to get weekly celebrity death news delivered to your inbox.
Thomas, who was born Sept. 6, 1956, in Orange Park, Florida, played on Molly Hatchet's first four studio albums: "Molly Hatchet" (1978), which went platinum; "Flirtin' With Disaster" (1979), which sold more than 2 million copies; "Beatin' the Odds" (1980), another platinum success; and "Take No Prisoners" (1981), which peaked at No. 36 on the U.S. albums chart.
Thomas left Molly Hatchet in 1983, moving on to co-found the group Big Engine. In a 2002 interview, he explained to Philippe Archambeau why he quit the band.
"We all started thinking we were stars, and that drove wedges into the cracks that started forming," Thomas said. "I was as guilty as anybody else. I got into an argument with Dave, got mad, and quit.
"Do I regret it today? Yes and no. I'm sorry I quit the way I did, when I did, but it looks like I picked a good time to get out. Not long after, under pressure from management and the record company to produce more hit singles, the band started to lose its identity, and started to look like Loverboy. I'm glad I wasn't there for that."
93 Entries
David Rowland
February 22, 2025
Loved your work in Daytona Beach 2006-2007 - RIP
Joseph Thomas
June 23, 2019
It was a pleasure to had met you at a friends house I always wonder if we might had been kin but didn't get to talk much you were playing that night rip buddy and god bless you rock on
September 20, 2018
Banner and I played together in a band in the late 80's and I never forgot how sweet and humble he was to me and everyone he met. I found his obituary on line and wanted to say how he too had made a positive impact on me. So grateful that he found his way to front row seats to what will be the greatest concert ever heard! See you there, Banner!
Jocelyne Miezelis Marino- Angel's Flight
Doug Scott
January 15, 2018
Rest in Peace Banner, fun times in Jax Beach glad to have known you.
How you can show support
Steve Parr
July 31, 2017
Banner was a dear friend and, while I'll certainly miss him, I'll always remember his easy manner in everything he did.
During a photo shoot he once said to me "I'd tell you to shoot my good side, but I haven't had one of those since the 70's."
That's the Banner I'll always remember, and that'll make me smile...
July 30, 2017
i will miss my friend, always....from your favorite muskateer...love ya mir
Lori Toms
July 18, 2017
Banner, I'll never forget u, I met u in a small bar in Brunswick ga. U were playing in big engine then. I seen u a few more times after, sports bar, and Casseys.. U had stopped smoking then, and was eating candy, orange slices, so all times after I see u. Orange slices it was, got right on stage And gave them too u. U would just smile the biggest smile. R. I. P Banners.. Burning sage smoke and prayers going up for family
jim ranno
June 13, 2017
Banner we partied together in 2004 I worked security at boot hill Saloon for bike week your awesome thanks for all the memories brother rest well my friend
May 29, 2017
My prayers goes out to the Thomas family. May your memories bring joy to your hearts and may our heavenly Father comfort you at this most difficult time.
May 18, 2017
Very sorry for banner Thomas passing , may God comfort his family and friend . Happy are those who morn . Matthew 5:4
May 8, 2017
Rest in peace Banner.
You will never be forgotten.
My condolences to your loved ones.
JoAnne Opavs
May 7, 2017
R.I.P. Banner
Brandon Fairbanks
May 7, 2017
Going to miss seeing you around, no one could ever forget a man like you. Thank you for the life lessons and stories.
Jack Wehr
May 7, 2017
God bless you, Banner. Loved your music with the real Molly Hatchet, and enjoyed getting to know you online.
RIP my friend.
Harvey Dalton Arnold
May 7, 2017
Banner, I always hated following you onstage. You were awesome . My total respect to you, sadness for your family and friends. You'll be missed and remembered forever. Peace my brother.
May 3, 2017
Losing a loved one is hard. Lean on the God of comfort to help you through these most difficult times.
"CHOPS"
May 2, 2017
One of the kindest souls I've ever met, R.I.P. Banner...
~ Craig "Chops" Gill,
One Off Entertainment
John Gavin
April 28, 2017
R.I.P. to this amazingly talented bassist. A true classic. Got the Self Titled in the 8-track player.
Susan
April 26, 2017
Thank you for being my friend and always encouraging me, Banner. God bless you and comfort you Dee Dee and the family Love and respect always
Steve and Melinda Wheeler
April 25, 2017
We had lots of talks and jammed countless gigs since we met at Milton Foor's Music in San Marco when I was around 13. I will miss your playing,your humor and your intellect old friend. Rest easy Banner. Steve and Melinda Wheeler
Kathy and Charlie Hargrett
April 24, 2017
We are among the hundreds of thousands of people who will never listen to Molly Hatchet the same again. Banner Thomas was a true original in every sense of the word. His tales of life on the road wuth a famous southern rock and roll band are legendary. His bass playing was phenomenal. He was just an awesome person. His love for DeeDee transcends everything. We are going to miss him every day.
Tina Pintor
April 24, 2017
Heaven has a heck of a band now....Will Love and Miss You Always Banner, Thank You for being my Friend. Love and Hugs Always. Thoughts and Prayers to your Family, Friends and Fans.
April 19, 2017
Sincere condolences to the family of Banner Thomas.
May the God of all comfort strengthen you at this time.
April 18, 2017
My sincere condolences are with the Thomas family. May you find comfort in the kind words of others & the precious memories you shared with your loved one. May our greatest Comforter continue to be with you as well.
April 18, 2017
Gone too Soon! My sincere condolences to the family who have lost their loved one to death. God will comfort and sustain you during this difficult time because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6,7)
christian
April 17, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Banner. Rest assured life is precious to our Creator. He promises to act in our behalf.
1 Corinthians 15:26
Carlotta
April 17, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Thomas family and friends at this difficult time.
Kieran Keegan
April 17, 2017
I can't believe your gone. I was just a music fan who didn't know Banner but loved his music when I emailed his website in 2002. I received such a friendly reply and in the 15 years since, Banner and I stayed in regular contact. He was always very frank and funny. I loved the fact he would share so much. His faith was important to him and he is now in the best place. My condolences to DeeDee and his family and friends. I won't forget you mate
Kieran Keegan
April 17, 2017
I can't believe you've gone Banner. I was just some music fan the other side of the water when I emailed Banner thru his website in 2002 and we stayed in touch regularly from there. I was always astonished how frank and funny he was. Ask him a question about his life as a legendary bass player and he gave you everything you could want and more. I know his faith was important to him, and I'm sure he is in the best place now. My condolences to Dee Dee and all of Banners family and friends. I won't forget him
Ruby Raley
April 17, 2017
A great man. We loved his music and how he played the bass and lived his life.
April 17, 2017
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
April 17, 2017
Truly saddened to hear about Banner Thomas' passing. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! (Luke23:43)
John (Jay) Schreiber
April 17, 2017
My old High School friend, I can't believe you're gone. But my friend, you're in a much greater place now. You will be greatly missed. Keep on Rockin Banner. God Bless and Godspeed.
Janet Reeves
April 16, 2017
Love and prayers to Banners family. Peace be with you Banner. Easter in heaven! Save me a seat and leave my name at the door!
TM
April 16, 2017
Dear Thomas family, you have my sincere condolences. After reading the different words of condolences and the love that was felt for him, I think he had a genuine love for people. The kind of love that the Creator has in an absolute form for his creation, He (the creator) displayed it perfectly toward mankind.Him sending his Son to die for all of us not just a few but all of us. John3:16
William Baker
April 16, 2017
As a friend and former band mate of Banners I would like to share a story about the kind of person Banner was that few people may know.
Early 90's . I was driving down I -10 and got to the curve where 95 and I-10 spilt just before the fuller warren in riverside. One of the busiest, most dangerous traffic areas in Jacksonville and the absolute worst place in town to break down. (Well except maybe on the Mathews bridge) As I rounded the sharp curve my wheel bearing exploded and my wheel came off the car. I slid across two lanes of I-10 into the barrier and my wheel shot across the interstate while cars and trucks were swerving around me... Nobody got hurt thank God but I was stranded between the barrier and the shoulder with only a few feet of space between me and heavy 70 mph traffic...
I was stuck... So what did I do? I called Banner. He immediately jumped in his little beat up Toyota and raced across town to rescue me. Of course he stopped at Walts auto parts first to pick up a wheel bearing. He arrived on the scene, retrieved my wheel from across the interstate and with all necessary tools in hand he proceeded to change my wheel bearing on the side of the interstate with cars and semi trucks whizzing by and only a few feet to work. Amazing!!!
Banner was literally the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. He had a wonderful sense of humor and genuine humbleness... I first met Banner when he worked at Paulus (Remember that place) We lost touch over the years but I always considered him one of my greatest friends. He was one of the few bass players that I naturally grooved with musically and I'll never forget the times in the band playing music together but most importantly it was those times back in the day of friendship (like him being at my son Eli's first birthday party) that are most memorable!
Will miss you brother and I will see you soon when we all are together worshiping our savior in song...
Praying for you DeeDee and all the family!!!
April 15, 2017
Banner, you are and were a very important part of my life. But you know this. Thank you for being there. I will never forget the times we shared. Prayers for you and your family. Love always, from Darlene
Cindy Davenport
April 15, 2017
I have so many fond memories to cherish. Banner was always professional and was an amazing musician. And a really nice person. No ego and loved to play. Will miss you!
Scott Chamberland
April 15, 2017
Rest in Peace
April 15, 2017
I hope Mr Thomas's family keep in mind the cherised memories they spent with their loved one.This will help you to cope with the hurt that come with the lost of someone we love. God love you.
Gaylon Greenway
April 15, 2017
Memories are forever.
You Will Be Sorely Missed My Friend.Save Me A Seat ,''Backstage'' ;) Forever In My Heart Banner, May You Rest In Peace
Susie Torres
April 15, 2017
April 15, 2017
You Will Be Sorely Missed My Friend.....Save Me A Seat...''Backstage'' ;)
Much Love, R I P Banner
April 15, 2017
My sincerest condolences to your family & friends Banner. You will be greatly missed by all! ~ E.Y.
Phyllis Lord
April 15, 2017
RIP Banner. Loved me some Molly Hatchet. Your legacy will linger forever. Molly Hatchet in Panama City Beach was my first concert.♡♡♡
Nancy Rudder
April 15, 2017
Prayers go out to the family and to The Original Molly Hatchet families. This candle was lit in honor of a wonderful musician.
PJ
April 15, 2017
My deepest condolences to his family and Band Mates. See you when I get there, Banner.
CB
April 15, 2017
Banner,see you when I get there. Peace brother,CB
JOHNNY Franklin
April 15, 2017
My condolences to the family & his musician family.It was great growing up on the Northside & Westside & being in the Southern style of music that was born...
Terry Iverson
April 15, 2017
One of the best.You go play in that Rock n Roll heaven my friend.May you find peace
L W
April 15, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. Know that the God of all comfort hears your cry and He will rescue you with comfort and strength.
April 15, 2017
Sorry for your loss. May you draw comfort from the scripture at Ecclesiastes 9 : 5 that show your loved ones a resting in peace.
April 15, 2017
The Best!!!
April 15, 2017
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
t redinger
April 15, 2017
rest in peace banner ,loved hearing your music
Anthony M
April 15, 2017
My condolences to the Thomas family for the loss of Banner. May the love of our Heavenly Father provide the needed love, comfort and support to help get through this tough time.
Dennis bagby
April 15, 2017
Thank you Banner for the many memories and the great music. May you forever Rest in Peace. God has ya now. wow, theres an awesome band for you to play in up there. Prayers sent for your family and your friends and all of os fans. you will be truly missed.
Karla
April 15, 2017
My condolences to the family of Banner Thomas. May the God of all comfort grant you peace to cope with the unexpected loss of your loved one.
April 15, 2017
Thomas Family,
Sorry to hear of the loss of Banner. Our prayers and condolences to the family. Cherish his memories and the music he made. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.-RO.15:33
Joe Santana
April 15, 2017
A Kind and Gentle Soul.. Always willing to take chances and perfect at his craft-The Bass.. I Loved his music... He will be missed Greatly! Inspirational!! R.I.P. Banner Thomas
April 15, 2017
I am truly sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort give you strength and peace during this difficult time. Psalms 29:11.
April 15, 2017
Rest in peace my ol friend, God Bless your family.
April 15, 2017
See you again soon Brother, in Heaven, maybe I'll get a gift for God that would make me a better guitar player, so I'll be good enough to play with you, until then I'll work here to make sure that you and many others are never forgotten...thanks for everything, love you
stan Adams
April 15, 2017
i'm so very glad our paths crossed so long ago.! Thanks for all the Laughs and music.! and for being my friend.! R.I.P. "Bandman" !! Till we meet again.!
Carrie Young
April 15, 2017
Because of Jesus......there is no more sickness.....God bless this family with peace the world doesn't understand.
Steve Wheeler
April 15, 2017
45 years of music and friendship between us...Rest In Peace Banner -Steve and Melinda Wheeler
Ken Maxwell
April 15, 2017
Rest Banner your voyage as a Sailor is done. Thankful to have known and listen to you. Love ya B T.
michelle plakas-kaiser
April 15, 2017
RIP
Randy Smith
April 14, 2017
Rest in Peace Banner..
David Crowe
April 14, 2017
Rest in peace Banner, you guys made some great music.
Carlotta
April 14, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Thomas family and friends at this difficult time.
Kyle Hlubek
April 14, 2017
I aspired to kind of be like Banner....he had this attitude of "play until you drop" ...and he did that...he was always playing somewhere or doing something. It just, always inspired me. Here's a man, who doesn't go to drink or get high...but he arrives at a gig, to play some songs, make a little cash, and on to the next gig. ... I'd be ok with that, and I think he was too.
Banner, I would come to see you, not the band you played with, everytime i would walk through the door and once we saw one another we gave eachother the nod, after the set I would make a B-line toward you to just talk, you'd tell me some funny stories of my Father, and tours you'd been on.
Most importantly you always encouraged me to "..never give up, never surrender, never give in, who cares if you never make the big stage a musician is a musician and Kyle you're a musician" Banner not even my Father told me that. I love you and will miss you.
Michael Baker
April 14, 2017
Banner was a good friend and will be greatly missed. I know that he is at home with the Lord. You are all in my prayers
Steve Cochran
April 14, 2017
So sorry to hear about Banner passing.Jesus called him home.
Timmy Lindsey
April 14, 2017
I just want to say I'm so sorry for the early passing of Banner . He and I go way back ,we always laughed about trading gigs between us . I had just bumped into him at Walmart about 1 o'clock at night about a month ago and we talked for 15 minutes or so . We always had a mutual respect for each other and I'm really going to miss him ,we were bass player buds ! I know he's resting in peace and I look forward to the day when we see each other again . He left a true legacy in the music world and what a great bass player he was . He will surely be missed by so many people whose lives he touched , Peace and prayers to all his family and loved ones and friends .
God bless you Banner, Rest in peace my friend, till we meet again brother ! Timmy
Harry Simpson
April 14, 2017
Godspeed Banner, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
April 14, 2017
To the Thomas family and friends may God bless and comfort you during this most difficult time. Matthew 5:4
Jim Hood
April 14, 2017
God bless you Banner. Thank you for your countless memories that you left us. You are missed very much.
April 14, 2017
My condolences to the Thomas family. May you be surrounded with kind words, good memories and the comfort that only God can provide.
Adrian Barnette
April 14, 2017
We'll miss you !
Joyce
April 14, 2017
You always greeted me with a smile and a hug. I will miss you dear friend. Your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Hlubek
April 14, 2017
When we were younger we thought we would live forever; you will be missed by many, friends and family alike. I hope to see you on the other side.
Valenda Newell
April 14, 2017
GONE NEVER FORGOTTEN...RIH
April 14, 2017
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Lee Durbin
April 14, 2017
Banner will never be forgotten, he was loved by all what knew him. I was proud to call him my friend. RIP sweet Banner, you are in Heaven with many who loved you.
Dan Adams
April 13, 2017
Condolences to the Family of Banner Thomas. To me he was the bass player of the Greatest live band that I've ever seen. To Family and others,I'm sure he was a lot more. He will be missed by all.
mary porter
April 13, 2017
Banner was always very nice to me, always had a smile and a hug. Many fond memories of seeing him play and my fav memory was going to NY with Big Engine for my bday and all of us girls and guys having a great time up there. My thoughts are prayers are with you DeeDee and his family.
Showing 1 - 93 of 93 results
Make a Donation
in Banner Thomas's name
How to support Banner's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Banner Thomas's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored