Jeremiah "Jerry" Thomas Sr.

Jeremiah "Jerry" Thomas Sr. was born on January 23, 1934 to the late Clayton Thomas Sr. and the late Selfie Lee Thomas in Headland, Alabama. Jeremiah attended Henry County Schools in his youth. When he was only 16 years old Jeremiah embarked on a new path. He moved to Gifford, FL to live with his older cousin, whom he adored as an aunt, the late Louise Thomas Thornton, and her family. Jeremiah was eager to join the workforce, he began working in agriculture and even traveled up north when business slowed down in the south. Later Jeremiah transitioned into construction work.
On June 30, 1956, he married his best friend, the late Katherine Drisdom. They were married for 48 years until Katherine passed away in August 2004. To this union five children were born: Gloria, Jeremiah Jr., Jimmy, John, and Kathryn. Jeremiah began his career at Hale Groves packing house in December 1956. He served as a foreman there for 48 years. In his retirement Jerry enjoyed hanging out with friends, playing cards, telling jokes and stories. Jerry was the life of the party and always brought laughter amongst those in his presence. Most of all he enjoyed driving around his city and making frequent trips to the corner stores to get his scratch offs.
On the morning of November 28, 2023, Jerry was called home. He was surrounded by love, prayer, and family as he took his last breath.
Jeremiah Sr. was preceded in death by his parents: Clayton Thomas Sr. and Selfie Lee Thomas; his wife: Katherine Thomas; aunt: Louise Thomas Thornton (Jimmie Lee); brothers: Clayton Thomas Jr. (Stella), Felix Thomas (Donnie Lee); sisters: Lou Jean McGlown (Roy), Essie Lee Leonard (Aurileous), Alberta Wright (Arthur), Mary Thomas; son: John Thomas.
He leaves to cherish his memory four children: Gloria Thomas, Jeremiah Thomas, Jr. (Sharon), Jimmy Thomas (Sheila), and Kathryn Johnson (Elliott Sr.); two granddaughters he helped raise: Latoryia Barr (Howard) and Brianna Smith; one brother: Wade Thomas; four sisters: Mellinee Walker, Ophelia Walker, Betty Jean Hamilton, and Mable Lee Simpson; brothers-in-law: Willie Drisdom, Eddie Drisdom; one sister-in-law: Annie Mae Jones (Michael); adored niece: Susie Ann McGlown; special sons and daughters: Willis Thomas, Charles Hughes, George Carter, Bridgette Thomas, Cathy Clark, Calen Moore, and Lori Lynn Cox; grandchildren: Semika Warner, Elliott Johnson Jr., Jomeka Thomas, Tekiva Thomas, Jimmy Thomas, Jr., Sharonda Marshall (Doc), Shanita Paris (Wesley), Tameka Harris (Tony), Astley Thomas, and Jerron Thomas; thirty-one great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends. Watch Jeremiah "Jerry" Thomas Sr. Funeral Service.