George Lamb "Grandpa T" Thomas Sr.

Ledyard - George Lamb Thomas Sr., "Grandpa T," as we call him now, was known to his beloved family as the most considerate, selfless husband, dad, grandfather and recently great-grandfather that you could ever imagine. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. George passed on to be with his Heavenly Father Oct. 23, 2023. The kindest most gentle soul that we were blessed with for almost 90 years. Thank you Lord for this man who can never be replaced.

George was born to Hazel Lamb in 1933. Hazel, "Ada," was a mom who worked tirelessly to give him a great home. George adored and loved his grandparents, George Lamb and Ada E. Armstrong Lamb. His grandparents helped raise him to be the most amazing person one could ever know. Grandpa T was born and raised in Mystic. He graduated from Robert E. Fitch High School in June of 1951. He was a gifted musician in high school as he played the trumpet in the high school band for four years. He was an especially gifted athlete where he was the Connecticut State Champion in the 100-yard dash in 1951. Grandpa T attended Springfield College where he was a physical education major.

In March of 1953, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served in Germany for two years and was honorably discharged in 1956. After serving in the Army, George went into the United States Coast Guard in 1957, where he played in the Congressional band later named the Coast Guard Band. He spent over 26 years of service in the Coastguard, and he never missed one service day in his entire career. This man was a true hero to us all and served his country with dignity; and he respected the flag and loved his country.

All of his outstanding service and work records are amazing on paper and something to be proud of, but what he will be remembered for is the loving, caring way that he treated his family and anyone who knew him. George's legacy is one of his family. He was loved by his family and his unconditional love and caring for all of us will never be forgotten and will be missed by everyone. George married his beloved wife, Francess A. Finnegan Thomas, in June of 1959. Francess was with him and by his side every day right up until the time George passed this past Monday night. They had three children all of whom loved him with all their hearts every day of his life. A father bigger than life that would always play ball, go sledding down the hill on Irving Street where they raised their family. He is survived by son George Thomas Jr., Orlando, Fla., son David Thomas, Stonington and daughter Kathleen Thomas, Gales Ferry. The thing that really made him happy and smile bigger than life - his grandchildren. Words cannot describe how much this man loved them and watching them all grow up and how much he cherished every moment he had with them. George Thomas Jr. gave him Andrew Thomas and Emily Thomas, both of Orlando, Fla., and David Thomas and Kristine Thomas gave him Kelsey Thomas of Boston, Mass., Amanda Thomas (Parrish) of Clarkesville, Tenn., and Sarah Thomas and Noelle Thomas of Stonington. Most recently, he was also given Josephine "Josie" Parrish, his first great-grandchild, born to Amanda and Holt Parrish. whom George adored in the short amount of time he had with her. It was a true blessing that he was able to talk to her over a facetime call and see her beautiful smile. For this we will forever be grateful.

There is no blueprint to being a great husband, dad and grandparent or great-grandparent. I bet if God wanted people to learn how to do it with unconditional love for his family, God would make a video of this beautiful man's life, because he truly was the example of what true love and caring for you family is.

A Celebration of Life will be announced for his family and friends who would like to join us in remembering him the way he would want - thinking about him and laughing and smiling.