Dr. George Thomas

It is with a heavy heart and eternal sadness that our beloved Dr. George Walter Thomas, 85, of Blythe, California, went to his eternal home on Sunday, November 2, 2025. 

He was born January 26, 1940, in Jackson, Tennessee to Prentiss and Samella Thomas. He  lived a life full of love, faith and service to others. George was the youngest of four children  and was affectionately known by many as “Scooter.” 

George attended school in Jackson, Tennessee, and graduated from Merry High School.  Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy and was stationed aboard the  U.S.S. Oriskany for four years as a first-aid attendant. He was honorably discharged on May  28, 1964. 

He then moved to Northern California where he began working on his degrees in education.  He earned two Master’s Degrees: one from California State University in Los Angeles and one  from Azusa Pacific University. George then accepted an administrative position as Vice Principal of the Blythe Middle School. After relocating to Blythe, he began a Doctoral  program from the University of San Francisco and for three years, he drove from Blythe to  San Francisco for classes on Friday afternoon and would return to Blythe on Sunday. He was  determined to complete the program regardless of the challenges. He completed this  program and received his Doctorate in Education in 1989. George was later promoted to  principal of the Middle School and later transferred to the Palo Verde High School where he  taught math until his retirement in 2008 after 40+ years in education.  

George began his political career in Blythe. He served on the Blythe City Council for four  terms, serving as Vice-Mayor for two terms. He loved serving on the council and assisted  the city to make many changes for the community including serving on committees to bring  the prisons to the valley. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, member and past  president of the Kiwanis Club, member and past president of the Blythe Rotary Club. He also served many years on the Palo Verde College Board of Trustees until his death. George loved  Blythe and received many accolades from the city, county, and state for his service to our  town. 

George was a faithful member of Saint Paul Baptist Church in Blythe for 48 years. He joined  the Senior Choir, Men’s Chorus, Usher Board, Layman’s Ministry, was the Adult Sunday  School teacher, served as a Trustee and later ordained as a Deacon. George lived a life  rooted in faith and service, believing deeply in the promise of eternal life through Jesus  Christ. 

He became a member and long-term Worshipful Master of Palo Verde Lodge No. 37, Free  and Accepted Masons. He served as a District Deputy for lodges in Blythe and El Centro. He was a member and Worthy Patron of the Evergreen Chapter No. 65, Order of the Eastern Star. When the Chapter closed, he and his wife, Marcella, transferred their membership to  Ruth Chapter No. 11 in San Diego, California. 

George was preceded in death by his father, Prentiss; his mother, Samella; and his sister, Prentiss Jean Hatten. 

To cherish his memory, George leaves his loving wife and soulmate of 43 years, Marcella  [Ector] Thomas; his cherished daughter and sidekick, Danielle Thomas of Washington, DC;  his daughter, Vallery Thomas of Grand Rapids, MI; his son, Thomas Harris of Las Vegas, NV;  three sisters: Norma Bell, Samella {Delano} Yarbrough, and Quincella Green, all from  Pasadena, CA; and four in-laws: Will Ector Jr., Ricky Ector, LaVelle {Desi} Ward, and Ardellia  {Melvin} Southern. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a grand-dog, Scout; and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, colleagues, and friends. 

A celebration of life will be held at Frye Chapel on Monday, November 17. Visitation will  begin at 9:30am and the service will begin at 11am. Burial will follow at Palo Verde  Cemetery.