L Thomas, Jr

L.S. Thomas, Jr. died peacefully on Saturday, March 15, 2014. L.S. was born in Birmingham on December 29, 1928, but lived most of his early life in Jasper, AL. After returning to Birmingham, he attended Birmingham Schools, was a carrier of the Birmingham News for over ten years, and was a graduate of West End High School. He entered the United States Marine Corps in 1944, serving for two years during World War II. He then began working at General Motors Parts Division in North Birmingham. In 1948, he went to work for Alabama Gas Corporation in the Meter Reading Department and retired as Senior Clerk in the Collection Department after 42 years of service. He was associated with Kiddieland at Fair Park and with the Alabama State Fair Authority, in charge of Gate 5 during Fair Week. These were avocations for him, not vocations. He was Lobby Manager for the BJCC Arena for 25 years, making friends from many states and foreign countries. L.S. was active in civic work with his family always in mind. He served many hours at Hemphill Elementary School in West End, where his children were students. He aided teachers, principals, and students in the quest for better school conditions, better learning, and education procedures that were important to the teachers as well as the students and community. His countless volunteer hours served the school and community well, and he was elected as the first male President of the Hemphill School PTA, receiving many honors and recognitions. He served as a Boy Scout Leader of Troop 12, which met at Vine Street Presbyterian Church and helped guide the lives of many fine young men. The Birmingham Scout Council recognized his outstanding work with the Award of Merit, and he was inducted into the Order of the Arrow along with his son at Camp Arrowhead. He was a volunteer at many West End High School functions where his daughter was a student, and he supported the activities at Hewitt Trussville High where his son was a student. He was an avid supporter of Auburn University and the Atlanta Braves. In his early childhood, he was an active member of West End Baptist Church where his father was a Deacon. He later became a Sunday school teacher and advisor to the youth, and he worked with the Beginner 2 and 3 year olds. After moving to the Eastern area, he became a member of Trussville Baptist Church where he was active with the youth and Sunday school. In recent years, he joined Shades Valley Presbyterian Church and was active with the Seniors Group. L.S. was preceded in death by his parents, L.S. Thomas, Sr. (Sam) and Thelma Mae Baird Thomas. He is survived by his loving wife of over 64 years, Sarah Elizabeth Rowell Thomas; daughter, Karen Thomas Tucker (Jim) Seaside, FL, son, R. Michael Thomas (Ellen) of Birmingham; grandchildren, Kimberly Tucker Hooper (Brian), Pensacola, FL, Jillian Paige Tucker, New York, NY, Lane Thomas Brown (Graham) and Kirk Michael Thomas of Birmingham; great-grandson, Langley James Hooper; brother, Jerry Franklin Thomas (Beth), Huntsville, sister, Martha Rose Thomas Couch, Franklin, TN, and many loving nieces and nephews; cousins, Jimmy Gibson, Steve Baird, Johnnie Childers, and families; sisters-in-law, Margaret Latham, Helena, Virginia Whitlock, Pelham, Dorothy Rowell and Ann Rowell, Birmingham. Known as L.S., Dad, Pop, and "Joe", his love for his wife, family, and friends ran deep. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Boy Scout Troop 63. Make payable to Canterbury United Methodist Church, 350 Overbrook Road, Birmingham, AL 35213, with memorial notation on the Memo line. Graveside services were held on Tuesday, March 18. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, March 21 at Shades Valley Presbyterian Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am.

Visitation

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM ,Friday, March 21, 2014
Shades Valley Presbyterian Church
2305 Montevallo Rd Birmingham, AL, Jefferson 35223

Memorial

10:30 AM ,Friday, March 21, 2014
Shades Valley Presbyterian Church
2305 Montevallo Rd Birmingham, AL 35223