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Obituary John Wesley Thomas
John Wesley Thomas life began in Lake Helen. Florida on March 30, 1943. During his
formal years his education started there. He graduated from Euclid High School in
1961.While at Euclid he earned AB-Conference honors in football on the championship
team. This honor earned him a four year scholarship to Florida A.&M. University where he
played guard and tackle on the Rattlers championship team.
After John earned his Bachelor of Science Degree, he returned to DeLand and taught
Physical Education at George Marks Elementary School for 36 years.It was there that he
made his mark in DeLand with many young athletes that later came through DeLand High
School. He was greatly respected by colleagues, students. and parents in his community.
His attributes resulted in the City of DeLand naming of a street in his honor December 21,
1991. Later he was inducted in the High Schools of DeLand Sports Hall of Fame Class of
2007.
"Coach" as he was affectionately called loved his students, faculty, and staff. He enriched
the lives of numerous people in his community by exemplifying compassion, support and
willingness to help anyone in need. He was not just a teacher but a mentor guiding his
students with patience, kindness and wisdom. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched.
Brother John Thomas was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church for many years and served in
various capacities. He was Pro-Tem of the Trustee Board, Few Good Men, and Culinary
Committe. He generously gave and supported all church projects and activities
consistently. The congregation benefitted greatly from his resourcefulness, talent, and
dedication.
He was awarded Bethel A.M.E. "Man of the Year" January 28, 2024.
John Thomas remained a faithful and loving friend to all who were blessed to have known
him.
He was preceded in death by mother Queen Esther Cherry, father, Samual Thomas,
Stepfather, Leroy Cherry, brother, Leroy Cherry Jr.
He leaves to cherish his memory, a devoted an loving wife
Celestine McRae Thomas,
daughters Shenna Ferguson {Antionne} Oviedo, FL, Karen Thomas, (Snellville, GA
Pamela Williams (Andre') Cedar Hill, TX, Tanika Carswell,
brothers David Cherry (Jonie) Rockledge,FL, Reginald Cherry
Grandchildren, Antionne Ferguson Jr., Ayanna Ferguson,Kristopher Smith,Snellville, GA.
Brooke Ramsey, Blaire Carswell, uncle, Leroy Smith (Ruth)Titusville, FL, sisters in- law,
Martha Livingston, Barbara Daye,Jamaica, N.Y. Olivia Cherry, brothers-in -law, Lewis
McRae, Melvin McRae {Aida} Winter Haven, FL,Godson, Ashton Thames, Special cousins,
Jeffrey Bender, Caesar Frazier, devoted friends Milton Corley, Larry Douglas, Bernard
Gibson, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, students, colleagues, and caring friends.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Darlene McClain
May 15, 2025
Coach was the first face I saw as I stepped off of the school bus in 1970. It was my first day of kindergarten and I was so very afraid. Coach took my hand and told me that everything was going to be okay. He was my coach from 1970 to 1976. I have never forgotten dancing around the maypole, square dancing, playing hopscotch, playing four square and everything else that we did in PE. Coach encouraged me all of those years at George Marks and for the past 55 years. I saw him over the years, I spoke to him about my businesses and I showed him pictures of my children. He has meant so much to me over the years... I want the most outstanding student in 1976. And I still have that trophy today. Rest in peace coach. You have touched thousands of lives and we all thank you.
Melanie
May 13, 2025
You truly truly will be missed. You were my big brother and I was your little sister (that´s how we introduced each other to other) for more than 50 years. You were my mentor so full of wisdom I looked up to you so much. I remember our first meeting when we worked together at the Jai Alai you would work all day teaching coaching, and then come over to Daytona to work at night and on Saturdays. We sat right next to each other and you taught me the ropes and then after we left there, you were always at the house fishing in our pond I remember how you would sit on that 5 gallon bucket never understood how you could be comfortable on that thing and then have another 5 gallon bucket and fill it to the top with brim. You always brought somebody with you mostly your aunt and we laughed and told stories and had so much fun. I know he will be missed by so many so full of love and cared so much for people young and old he always had time he made time and made you feel special. My prayers go out to you, Celeste and your family at this time just know,I know you know, you had one of the best.Just remember, he´s not gone. He´s just moved to a new address and we will see him soon.
Karen M.
May 13, 2025
Coach Thomas was an amazing person throughout my years attending George Marks Elementary and what´s even more incredible, is, he was my daughters P.E. Coach as well! May he R.I.P. he will be greatly missed by all that knew him!
Tony Tussing
May 10, 2025
John Thomas was a giant amongst men, a leader for youth. He was always willing to help and was adored by the youth of George Marks Elementary School in DeLand. There is even a street named after him near George Marks Elementary. Thank you, Coach John Thomas, for all you have done for the youth of the West Volusia area.
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Tiffany Spalding
May 9, 2025
I attended George Marks Elementary from 1993- 1999 out of all of my teachers there... no one could compare to Coach Thomas. I remember every day coach calling myself, and one other student by our lasts names because we had famous lasts names that a coach would know ( Spalding and Wilson). He was great with all of us kids and made physcial education something we looked forward to doing each day. Words can't describe the loss that the people of Deland have with the passing of this incredible teacher, coach, and mentor. My prayers and condolences for his family and friends through this hard time
Tammy terry
May 8, 2025
Best teacher ever he was someone I looked up too. A great mentor to about all the kids in Deland he was loved by many.
Pamela Rowlett Dye
May 8, 2025
Coach Thomas was a wonderful man! I had the pleasure of working with him at George Marks Elementary. The year after he retired, he returned on the first day of school to help with me the arrival and dismissal of the students. I was stunned..he said I would never leave you high and dry.. he left quite the legacy. Sincere condolences to his family .
Pamela Rowlett Dye
Kevin Dunn
May 6, 2025
Coach Thomas was a true legend as well as a great coach and an even better person. He was a mountain of a man, but yet he was very kind and very caring. I was very lucky to have him as my coach and have the chance to get to know him throughout my Elementary years . No matter how bad your day was he always knew how to put a smile on your face and make it better .He was the highlight of my Elementary years. I remember we had a huge tree that fell and took out our fence and Coach Thomas came to our house and helped us with the tree he was always there to help no questions asked. He will forever be missed, but the memories of him will live on.
Sandy Doyle
May 5, 2025
Coach Thomas was a Legend in DeLand. I hv so many fond memories of him coaching my kids at George Marks Elementary School. Was always so good to each child. I will forever treasure our fishing trips together, the man could catch anything. I used to beg him to tell me his secret. Coach Thomas was right there when Chuck passed away, and when it came time for me to move he hauled trailer after trailer load up here to the cabin. Rest in peace, Coach. You will forever hold a special place in my heart and my daughter´s, Summer & Misty. We all loved you so much and we will miss you. Hugs and prayers to the family. Celeste was an amazing wife who he loved dearly I will never forget that SMILE! Thank you for being such a true friend.
Brett Cree
May 4, 2025
Coach Thomas will always be remembered by many. He was my P.E. Coach from 1978 to 1984. He was a good man and will be missed. God bless.
Lori Owen
May 4, 2025
Wonderful coach, my boys adored him! Always so nice to everyone!
Katelyn Perkins
May 4, 2025
There are so many words that could describe the type of man Coach Thomas was. But I think the most important one is loving. Coach genuinely loved and cared for all of the staff and students at GME throughout his years. I remember being a young and impressionable 5th grader back in 2002 and he was so kind hearted and supportive of everything I did or had to say. He was the kind of man who was the sunlight on a cloudy day. While I only got the privilege of being one of his students for a year, he left a lasting impression on me for life. While my mom worked at GME, he´d always ask how I was doing, well after I´d left. That´s the kind of man he was. Coach Thomas, I will never forget you and I am so lucky that I got to call you Coach. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all. Fly high Coach Thomas, we will miss you down here.
Elise Snedeker
May 4, 2025
Coach Thomas was one of the best. I was lucky enough to have him for 6 years at George Marks and would go back to see him many years later. Such a kind soul. He definitely enhanced many lives.
Brittany Kindy
May 4, 2025
Coach Thomas was an incredible human. He was a prominent person in my life all throughout my childhood. I of course like many others knew him from George Marks(and he was my dad´s friend.) Coach Thomas Lways had a smile on his face and he was the one that would forever be on your side. You´ll be missed coach. Rest easy.
Cathy Westbrook Driggers
May 3, 2025
Coach Thomas was such a remarkable man. I have such great memories of him as a coach and will always cherish the conversations we had long after school was over. He never forgot his students! He left quite a legacy in this community through the many years of service at George Marks. Prayers go out to his family during this time of loss.
Hartwell Family
May 3, 2025
What a remarkable man ,teacher ,mentor, always so kind and full of wisdom. Even though I did not have coach as a teacher my husband and daughter did. He has left such a grand book of memories for all of Deland.
I will cherish ever conversation I have had with him when he came to our local Lowe´s store when I worked there. He would always look for me and we would have such great conversations.
Coach Thomas you are one of a kind. Thanks for the memories in God Speed
Tonya Terry Kinsella
May 3, 2025
He was loved by many and I for one will never forget him. My deepest condolences and prayers to his family.
Jody Adkins
May 2, 2025
Coach Thomas was a wonderful man that served George Marks Elementary well. We worked together for several years before his retirement and both my sons have great memories of him as a teacher. He was great to work with and was well respected by students, parents and colleagues. He will be missed. Much love to his family at this sad time.
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727 South Stone Street, Deland, FL 32720
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