Robert Eugene "Bobby" Thomas Jr.

Robert E. Thomas, Jr "Bobby", 76, widower of the late Anne Boykin Brunson, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
Bobby was born October 2, 1947, in Sumter, SC. He was the son of the late Robert Eugene Thomas, Sr. and the late Marjorie Lynn Thomas. Westerns, baseball, and the great outdoors monopolized his formative years which produced a lifelong love for hunting, fishing, and sports, as well as a no-nonsense attitude and a quick-witted sense of humor. He attended Edmunds High School, "Class of 1965", after which he studied at Clemson University. It was at Clemson that his love for sports and the Tigers flourished. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about his hair due to a pledging incident his freshman year. Thankfully, his lack of hair didn't affect his swagger because after returning from Clemson, he caught the eye of a pint-sized dumplin' named Anne. Bobby and Anne were married on September 16, 1971, at First Baptist Church. For those lucky enough to witness his unwavering devotion towards her, they know that loving and spoiling her was his greatest pleasure and she, his greatest treasure. In May of 1977, they welcomed their one and only child, a son, Ret, and would spend the rest of their lives loving and molding him. Bobby was all too thrilled to share his passion for baseball and the outdoors with Ret and it brought him great joy to watch those he loved enjoying his favorite pastimes. His heart grew exponentially with the birth of his grandchildren, Ben and Liza. Their presence at Gigi and Granddaddy's was always a welcomed treat and the time spent with them, watching them become the young people they are today was cherished by them both. He was so proud!
With the guidance and invitation of his father-in-law, Scriven, Bobby became one of the first members of the Sumter-Lee Hunting Club in Lynchburg, SC. He was a lifelong partner and friend and even when his body couldn't bear the climb again, his dedication to the club brought him to the rocking chairs on the front porch awaiting the return of those on the hunt. His legacy of love for the outdoors that he instilled in his son and grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends is sure to last for generations to come.
He supported his family with a career in chemical sales, working with Gamecock Chemical Company for the last 43 years. He enjoyed the relationships that he built throughout his tenure, and he looked forward to his Tuesday calls.
On November 12, 2016, Bobby's world turned sideways with the unexpected and untimely passing of Anne. Although his earthly body would sustain him another 7 years, his soul left the day she did. The family takes great solace knowing that he is exactly where he has wanted to be for some time now.
The family is forever in debt to his dear friend, Sterling Fowler, "Toot", for his help and companionship over the years, especially the last seven that Bobby endured without Anne. Anne, we did all that we could to keep him happy and his belly full. He's ready for dumplings, dumplin!
Bobby is survived by his son, Robert Eugene Thomas, III "Ret" (Amanda), a grandson, Robert Benjamin Thomas, "Ben", a granddaughter, Elizabeth Anne Thomas "Liza", a sister-in-law, Lee Brunson, a nephew, David Brunson (Jessica), nieces, Leigh Richardson (Rich), Carolyn Hodge (Jay), Suzanne Brunson, Mandy Glover, Amy Jo Glover, and Julie Glover Jackson (Alan), and nine great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Anne Brunson Thomas, his sister, Carol Thomas Glover, his brothers-in-law, Scriven Spencer Brunson III and Jack Phillips Brunson "Phil", and his nephew, Ryan Spencer Brunson.
Graveside service will be held at 3 P.M. Thursday at Zoar Community Cemetery with Rev. Allen Johnson officiating.
The family will receive friends following the graveside service and other times at his home.
Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home & Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.