Born August 15, 1941, in Waycross, he was a son of the late Joseph Estill Thomas Sr. and Maude Conner Thomas.

Living all his life in Pierce County, he was a 1960 graduate of Blackshear High School. He was a longtime farmer and worked for 27 years at Rayonier in Jesup, retiring in 2005.

He also did taxidermy for several

Thomas Jr.

years. A longtime member of Patterson Baptist Church, he attended the Grace Sunday School Class.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by all his siblings, Clovis Clark, Lannis Thomas, Larry Thomas, Jack Thomas, Ronald Thomas and Donald Thomas.

Survivors include his three children, Angie Milton (husband Randy), Blackshear, Joseph E. (Joey) Thomas III (wife Angie), Sharpsburg and Trisha Tillman, Blackshear; eight grandchildren, Thomas Bennett (wife Jessica), Kenneth Bennett, Tristen King (husband Ryan), Austin Tillman, Kassie Milton, Kalyn Milton, Merigan Thomas and Colton Thomas; three great-grandchildren, Oliver Altman, Jackson Bennett and Georgia Faye Bennett and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 3, from the chapel of Hart Funeral Home.

Interment followed in the Blackshear City Cemetery.

Members of the Patterson Baptist Church Grace Sunday School Class and the Blackshear High School Class of 1960 served as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, Georgia 31501 or at www.hospicesatilla. com. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.