John R. Thomas, Jr.

John R. Thomas Jr. 74 of Simpsonville passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, wrapped in the arms of Jesus and surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Joyce Susie Keith Thomas and the son of the late John R. Thomas Sr. and Stella Williams Thomas of Knoxville, Tenn.

In addition to his wife he is survived by four daughters, Kelley Duncan and husband Bruce of Simpsonville, Robin Matheny of GA., Lisa Thomas of GA., Gay McClain of Taylors; two sons, Ricky Thomas and wife Sunzy of GA., John P. Thomas and wife Lisa of Belton; grandchildren, Brandy Rae, Josie Elizabeth, Sydney Claire, Bruce Duncan III, Shawn Thomas, Max Thomas, Gladys McClain, Benjamin McClain, Amelia Grace McClain, Andrew Thomas, Ricky Thomas, Jr, Lacey Thomas and several other grandchildren; a brother James E. Thomas and wife, Lynn, of GA.; a sister, Ursa Pichierre of Simpsonville and numerous nieces.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Dwight, Reece and Kenny Thomas.

John was retired from the funeral industry, where he worked for Cannon Funeral Home and later Stewart Enterprise. He was a member of Donaldson Church of God where he served on the Church and Pastor’s Council for 14 years. He was inducted into the Hall of Christian Excellence by the International Lay Ministries Board of Directors at the 73rd General Assembly of the Church of God. John was a Master Mason of the Walden Lodge in Greenville and was the Vice President of the South Carolina Motor Coach Association for 4 years.

The celebration of his life will be on Friday, June 14, 2013, at 6:00 pm at Donaldson Church of God at 1333 Fork Shoals Road, Greenville. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Donaldson Church of God.