Eugene was called home to Eternal Rest on March 27, 2024, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia. Although
his death was unexpected at that time, his family finds comfort in knowing he lived a life that honored God. To his family and friends, he was affectionately known as Gene. Gene was the second child born to the late Johnny B. and Kathalean Thomas on December 29, 1947, in Worth County, Georgia.

At an early age, Gene accepted Christ as his personal Savior and joined Hopewell Baptist Church in Gordy, Georgia. He later joined the Greater Second Mount Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Lorenzo L. Heard, where he was currently a member. Due to his declining health, he was a faithful virtual member. Gene enjoyed hearing and discussing Pastor Heard's sermons with Teresa every Sunday.

As a child growing up in a large family, Gene made sure we had a live Christmas tree from the woods. He has always enjoyed decorating for Christmas in an over -the -top way. Gene was always excited about putting toys together for his younger siblings and later for his nieces and nephews. It was nothing he wouldn't do for his family. He always contributed and did his part to make sure we had enough. Gene also enjoyed cooking and preparing food for Wade and himself. In addition, he enjoyed life itself with a grateful and thankful heart to us for taking care of him as well. He always said thank you! Gene matriculated in the Dougherty County School System and graduated from Monroe High School in 1967 as a lifetime "Golden Tornado."

After graduating high school, Gene enlisted in the United States Army in 1971 and was honorably discharged in 1973 from his last duty station in Germany. In Germany, Gene obtained his skills and trade as an electronics technician.

After returning home from the military, Gene moved to San Diego, California, and worked as an electronics technician for Kyocera International Incorporated, a Japanese -based company. He later transferred to New Bedford, Massachusetts, with the same company as a night manager. Gene eventually moved back home and worked as a handyman doing odd jobs.

He was very talented and well -trained by the military to pay attention to detail. Gene carried this work ethic in every task and job he performed.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Johnny B. Sr. and Kathalean Thomas; one brother, Johnny B. Thomas, Jr.; one sister, M. Kathy Thomas; and two additional siblings from Columbus, Ohio: Priscilla D. Thomas and John L. Thomas.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by his beloved siblings, Larry (Shirley) Thomas of Sylvester, GA; Gwenda Gail Ware, Wade Thomas; Sarah Teresa Thomas, Katina (Arnold) Allen, Chris (DeMitria) Thomas, Ted (Kimberly) Thomas, and Quinton Thomas of Albany, GA; Dr. Deborah Thomas of Tallahassee, FL; and two additional siblings, Shirley Thomas Hairston and Laverne Thomas of Columbus, Ohio.
Uncle Gene created memories with a host of nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends who will miss him dearly. A special thank you to our cousin, Heather Williams.