Ray Thomas

Ray Thomas, 85, of Hoboken died Friday afternoon (March 17, 2017) at Hospice of the Golden Isles in Brunswick following an extended illness. He was a native and life-long resident of Hoboken. He is the son of the late Ira Thomas and Ivory Brooker Thomas. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Carl Thomas and Bruce Thomas. He served during the Korean War with the United States Navy and retired as a carman with CSX Railroad after many years of service. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen and had served on the Hoboken City Council for several years. Ray's life was always centered on serving his Lord in many different ways. He was a long-time and faithful member of Hoboken Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Church Treasurer for many years, taught Sunday School for more than 50 years in classes ranging from children's classes all the way up to Adult Classes and had also served on numerous church committees and functions. He had been active with Builders for Christ and, along with his wife, served as volunteers in the Women's Unit at Baptist Village Retirement Communities. He was a strong believer in community outreach and missions and used his talent and love of carpentry to help not only at the church but in many area homes. Second to serving the Lord was his love for his family especially his grandchildren. He was always active in their lives in attending ballgames, bike riding and many other activities. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Lavon Dixon Thomas of Hoboken, a daughter, Sheila T. Gibbs (husband Michael), a son, Vic Thomas (wife Paula) of Tallahassee, FL.; three grandchildren, Hannah G. Stallings (husband Ross) of Atlanta, GA, Daniel Gibbs (wife Kassidy) of Warner Robins, GA, and Kiley Thomas of Tallahassee, FL; a sister, Margaret T. Pulliam of Daytona Beach, FL, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hoboken Baptist Church PO Box 247 (4714 Main St) Hoboken, GA 31542 or to Builder's For Christ c/o First Baptist Church 702 Elizabeth St. Waycross, GA 31501. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Monday (March 20, 2017) at Hoboken Baptist Church. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery . Members of the Men's Sunday School Class are asked to gather at the church at 10:30 AM Monday to serve as honorary pallbearers. The family will be receiving friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Sunday at Music Funeral Home. Sympathy can be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.com. The family requests that any stories, anecdotes, or remembrances of Ray be posted on the website also. Music Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.