Robert Thomas

Robert Randall "Randy" Thomas, 61, of Hoover, AL, was called home by Jesus on March 29, 2025, after an eight-year battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was the youngest of three, born on December 10, 1963, to Robert L. and Patricia Burkett Thomas in Birmingham, Alabama.

Known to many as Randy, he grew up in Bessemer, Alabama, where he developed a passion for sports. He played football for the Bessemer Purple Tigers, Davis Middle School, and started on the varsity team his freshman year at Jess Lanier High School. After moving to Hueytown in his sophomore year, he played three years of football for the Hueytown Golden Gophers, playing both quarterback and safety. Despite receiving multiple football scholarship offers, Randy chose to stay home and support his parents during his father's illness. It was during this time that he began his career in banking, working for Metro Bank in Bessemer from 1983 to 1987.

On June 23, 1984, he met the love of his life, Nancy Patterson, from Midfield, Alabama. It didn't take long for him to realize that she was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Randy and Nancy were married on October 5, 1985, at Bible Tabernacle Church. Their connection was a blessing from God.

In 1987, he began his career at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, earning numerous awards over his 14-year tenure. During this pivotal period in his life, he crossed paths with Danny Crosby, a bond that would last a lifetime. Their friendship blossomed into something remarkable, characterized by daily conversations filled with laughter, support, and shared dreams. Each day was incomplete without their chats, as they navigated the ups and downs of life together, proving that their connection was as genuine and enduring as it gets. During this time, he became the proud father of three wonderful children: Blake, Courtney, and Jillian. He built their dream home in Pleasant Grove and was actively involved in youth sports, including football, baseball, and basketball.

In 2001, Randy moved his family to Hoover, where he met Jeff Harris, the head coach at Berry Middle School. This encounter reignited his passion for football. He not only served as a coach alongside Jeff, but over the years, they forged a deep bond that blossomed into a lifelong friendship. As neighbors, they shared countless moments together, supporting each other through both personal and professional challenges. Their relationship evolved into a brotherhood characterized by unwavering loyalty and a shared commitment to each other's success.

In 2006, Randy made the decision to return to his roots by joining Coach Billy Woodham at Jess Lanier High School. During his three years there, he played a crucial role in mentoring student-athletes, helping them improve their skills on the field while also developing their character and teamwork abilities.

In 2009, Randy transitioned to Oak Mountain High School, where he reunited with Coach Jeff Harris. For two years, he focused on building a competitive team, instilling a sense of sportsmanship and dedication in his players while fostering an environment of growth and camaraderie among the athletes.

In 2011, Randy took on an exciting new challenge at Bessemer Academy, collaborating with Coach Josh Wright and Jonathan Wright. His tenure at Bessemer proved to be highly successful, as he helped the Rebels win four state championships before hanging up his whistle in 2021. The bond he shared with Josh and Jonathan was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a relationship that flourished through shared experiences and mutual understanding, creating a deep connection that was both rare and precious. Their love for one another was profound, marked by moments of laughter, heartfelt conversations, and unwavering support during life's challenges. The memories they created together, from their inside jokes to unforgettable milestones, are engraved in their hearts and minds forever.

Throughout his extensive coaching career, he earned a variety of affectionate nicknames, such as "The Colonel" and "Big Daddy." These titles reflected not only his larger-than-life personality but also the respect and admiration he garnered from his players. Regardless of where his journey took him-whether at a sports event, family trip, or coaching conference-he was never far from the echoes of "Hey, Coach," a warm greeting that resonated from the countless players he had mentored over the years. This consistent recognition served as a testament to the impact he had on the lives of these athletes, fostering a close-knit community built on trust, support, and shared memories.

Randy's commitment to mentoring didn't stop with his players; he also dedicated time to supporting coaches, offering guidance, and sharing insights from his extensive experience in the sport. Remarkably, he continued this mentorship until just one week before his passing, illustrating his unwavering dedication to the people around him. He was a source of inspiration and encouragement, making a lasting impact on the lives of many.

Randy was known for being a man of his word-always demonstrating kindness, honesty, and a direct approach to communication. He had a unique ability to get straight to the point, never shying away from difficult conversations, and his wealth of wisdom made him a cherished mentor. His legacy lives on in the memories of those he touched and the values he instilled in everyone he guided.

Randy is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Patricia Thomas; his in-laws, James and Becky Patterson; and his brother-in-law, Ernie Gooding.

Randy is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Patterson Thomas, with whom he shared nearly 40 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love and raised a family that brought them immense joy. He leaves behind three cherished children: Blake Thomas of Hoover, AL; Courtney Thomas Morgan and her husband, Bobby, of Hoover, AL; and Jillian Thomas Deas and her husband, Dale, of Hoover, AL.

Randy proudly held the title of "Big Daddy" to his adoring grandson, Brody Thomas Deas, 4 years old, and to his sweet granddaughter, Bobbi Elizabeth Morgan, whom they affectionately call Izzy, 6 months old. The bond he shared with them was filled with laughter, love, and countless memorable moments.

In addition to his immediate family, Randy is survived by two loving sisters, Cathy Gooding of Gurdon, AR, and Lisa Hagan and her husband, Anthony, of Diana, TX. He also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Jamie Patterson Snider and her husband, Alan, of Athens, AL. Randy was the proud uncle to nephews Adam, Ben, and Zack Gooding; Ryan Hagan; and Andrew Snider, as well as nieces Nicole Osterhout, Ashleigh Hainline, Anna Grace Snider, and Amy Beth Snider.

The family would like to take a moment to express their deepest gratitude to a remarkable group of individuals who played invaluable roles in Randy's life and were unwavering pillars of support for him. Each of these special people brought their own unique influence to Randy's life: Jeff Harris, Josh Wright, Jonathan Wright, Logan Colafrancisco, Greg Williams, Bruce Morrison, Debra Napier, Chris Morales, Edward Parker, and Danny Crosby. The love, friendship, and support that each of you offered to Randy and our family will forever be cherished and remembered. Your impact on his life has been profound, enriching our family's journey with warmth and gratitude. Thank you for being part of his life.

Randy's final wishes emphasize the importance of advocacy for those in need of supplemental oxygen. He urges his family and friends to connect with their government representatives, encouraging them to support and promote awareness of the critical reforms necessary for improving patient access to supplemental oxygen. He specifically asks them to advocate for cosponsors of the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act. This vital legislation is designed to ensure that anyone requiring supplemental oxygen can obtain the most suitable and effective type of oxygen tailored to their individual health needs, improving the quality of life and well-being for all who rely on this essential medical support.