Walter R. Thomas Jr.

Walter R. Thomas Jr, age 87, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 15, 2015, surrounded by family. Walter graduated from Boys High in Atlanta, University of Georgia (BA Degree), and Emory University (Law Degree).
He was the owner of Walter R. Thomas Jewelers, Cadodi Diamonds, and Elite Diamonds. He was Past President of the Georgia Retail Jewelers Association and worked in the jewelry business for almost 50 years.
He was married to Dot Thomas for almost 30 years and was a loving father to children, Walter "Chip" Thomas III, Carol Rene Thomas Rankin, and Diane Louise Thomas Schermerhorn. He was later married to Cindy Travis Thomas, until her untimely death about 10 years ago. He was a favorite "PaPa" to Errol, James, and Sylvia Rankin, and to Blair, Brooke, Elizabeth, and Anna Schermerhorn; and stepgrandfather to Austin Travis; great-grandfather, to Eames and Oliver Kawa.
Walter was an Eagle Scout, and influenced many young men as Scout Master of Troop 5, one of the first and oldest Troops in Atlanta.
He was a proud member and Past President of the Kiwanis Club and always enjoyed the camaraderie and accomplishments of the Executive Park and Cumming Clubs.
Walter was a true renaissance man. He could build anything he set his mind to, and his Coast Guard training provided him with excellent skills in many trades. To figure out and solve challenging problems in any aspect of building was a great joy. He delighted in sharing his talents with anyone in need. Among his many accomplishments, he designed three homes in Vinings, and one in Cumming. He designed and built by hand, with his father's help, a beautiful lake home on Lake Lanier.
Some of his most cherished memories are traveling and camping throughout the United States with his three young children and his then wife, Dot Thomas.
Walter approached the good and the bad that came his way in life with a composed positive attitude, always looking for the good in any situation. One of his favorite responses to questions was a long drawn out "FAAANTASTIC!"
Never one to sit still too long, he lived a full life and his wisdom, support and love are greatly missed.
A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, April 26, at 2 p.m. at Second Ponce De Leon Church in Buckhead. Please join us for a celebration of Walter's life, and we welcome friends and family to speak at the Memorial. For information call Chip at (678) 938-7576.
A. S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Sign our online guestbook at forsythnews.com.