Edward Thomas
August 11, 2023
Columbia, South Carolina - Edward Thomas, passed away on August 11, 2023, at Lexington Medical Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. Born in Phenix, Alabama, on September 17, 1947, he was the only son of the late Eddie and Katie Mae Redd Thomas
Edward graduated from Carver High School in Phenix City, AL. After graduation Edward joined the United States Army serving three years on active duty and twenty years as a Reservist. He also continued his education graduating from Allen University, Columbia, SC, earning a B.A. degree in History and later obtaining a master's degree in criminal justice from USC, in Columbia, SC.
He began his spiritual journey at a young age, at Franchise Missionary Baptist Church in Phenix City, Alabama, and culminated as a member of Union Baptist Church, in Columbia, South Carolina.
He served many years as a Constable for the State of South Carolina while attending school. Edward spent over thirty years of service in public education. He worked for twenty years as a Vice Principal and Assistant Basketball Coach at Dreher High School. Followed by many years at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice where he developed a curriculum titled "Character Education" while serving as the Principal of Birchwood High School.
In addition to his parents, Edward was preceded in death by one sister Mary Francis Cox.
Edward is survived by his wife, Vivian Porterfield Thomas. He also leaves behind a daughter, Yaphet Thomas of Augusta, Georgia; two sons, Edward Kenyatta, USA Retired (Capt. Dawnika, Retired) Thomas, of Baltimore, Maryland and Renarldo Akeem (Alyssa) Thomas of Orlando, Florida; five grandchildren: Talia, Shayla, Jayvon, Axl and Santana Thomas; three sisters: Ronella "Shag" (Lt. Col. James, Retired) Mitchner, Carolyn (Harry) Hughes and Pamela Thomas; mother-in-law Helen Porterfield; in-laws: Doris (Hubert) Williams, Helen (Curtis) Belton, Barbara (Ronnie) Walters, Linda (Carmen) Evans, Cynthia Mayers and Johnie (Jennifer) Porterfield and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

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Published by The State on Aug. 18, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Thomas

9 Entries

Mary Rogers

August 22, 2023

Vivian, I am so sorry to hear of Mr.Thomas´s passing. I first worked with you at Allstate and then with Mr. Thomas for many, many years at Dreher. I will never forget how caring and understanding he was of the students. As a young teacher he taught me a lesson that I reflected on throughout my teaching career. He wanted you to consider that many factors influence student behavior, so getting to know them better would build relationships and a better learning environment. Thank you Mr. Thomas, may you rest in heavenly peace.

Liz Brockington .... I worked with Ed at Dreher for many years. He was alwa

August 19, 2023

I worked with Ed for many years at Dreher. He was a champion for the students and a great support to teachers. He set a fine example with his leadership and I missed working with him after we both went in other directions.
May his family be comforted during this difficult time and may he Rest In Peace.

Anne Amma

August 18, 2023

I worked at Dreher high School with Coach Thomas until I retired. He was wonderful to work with, straight up, no nonsense, and he always, always helped. A really good man!

Blair (Young) Lord

August 17, 2023

I have many fond memories of Coach Thomas while I was a student at Dreher. Thank you Coach Thomas for all that you did for our country.

Blair (Young) Lord
Dreher High School c/o 1990

eugene hayes

August 17, 2023

My condolences to his family. I still to this day apply things that I learned from this man. He was a good man and during his life help so many young black boys at the time now men to navigate what a black man should be

Johnny Ray Campbell

Planted Trees

Kim Hall

August 16, 2023

Beloved History Teacher and Coach. Gone but not forgotten DREHER High School Blue Devils. Class of 1979.

George Hampton

August 16, 2023

My heart, prayers, and condolences are extended to the Thomas family. Ed and I met many ago while playing basketball at St. Andrews Park and later became co-workers at the SC Dept. of Juvenile Justice where he served as a principal. While at DJJ his challenge was to ensure residents received a quality education and he did an admiral job under some rather rigorous conditions. He had the respect of both staff and juveniles. He was always kind, compassionate, and professional. He was a spiritual man as well and I know that because he and his family worshipped with mutual friend (also deceased). I will forever cherish my memories of him on the court and in the workplace. Rest easy my brother.

Mary D Porterfield

August 16, 2023

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. My condolences to the Thomas family.May he RIP

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