Joseph Charles ""Mr. Joe"" Thomas

Joseph C. Thomas, 79, of Blairsville, Georgia, died peacefully in his home on September 7, 2011. He died as he lived, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was a child of the Great Depression, born October 25, 1931 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Charles and Anna Thomas. He was the oldest of three siblings. On June 19, 1953 he married the woman of his dreams, his beloved wife, Sarah, who survives his passing.

Mr. Thomas's zest for life led him to varied interests and hobbies, from stained glass window production and wine making to line dancing. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman. But his life-long affinity for children, and they for him, distinguished him. He was a long time volunteer at Connor's Nursery in West Palm Beach, Florida working with HIV infected and drug addicted infants. He continued his ministry to children by volunteering at several other church sponsored nursery programs over the years. Mr. Thomas was a member of First Baptist Church of Blairsville, and served in the nursery, rocking the babies.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corp in the early 1950's. After his honorable discharge, he engaged in various career pursuits including television production in New York City and as the owner of a hair salon in Pittsburgh, PA before settling on a career in the construction trades as a plasterer. He worked in this field in both Pittsburgh and from 1972 onward, in Palm Beach County Florida. His final 15 working years were spent at The Palm Beach County School Board, retiring in 2000 to Blairsville, Georgia. There he built with his own hands, two beautiful log homes and a happy life.
Besides his beloved wife of 58 years, Sarah, he is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Bobby and Martha Thomas of Franklin, North Carolina; his sister and brother-in-law, Bernice and Dave Richie of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania; his sister-in-law, Dolly Perotti of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; his four children and their spouses including daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Gary Thomas of Alpharetta, Georgia; son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Sarah Thomas, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter and son-in-law, Laurie and Mike Wilson of North Palm Beach, Florida; and daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Scot Gregory of Laguna Beach, California. He is survived by eight remarkable grandsons and one exceptional granddaughter who were collectively his greatest joy. The eldest of these grandchildren, Michael Thomas of Blairsville, Georgia, served as his primary caregiver as he courageously dealt with his final illness. He is also survived by 19 nieces and nephews.

In keeping with his wishes, his remains will be cremated. A memorial service will be held Monday, September 12, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at The Little Rock Chapel of First Baptist Church of Blairsville, 290 Blue Ridge Street, Blairsville, Georgia, 30512. Visitation with the family will occur one hour prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. in the historic church building. Military Honors will be presented by North Georgia Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children's Ministry of First Baptist Church of Blairsville, P.O. Box 2058, Blairsville, GA 30514.

He lived as he died, with dignity and a love of the Lord. May God welcome him into His presence.

Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville has been entrusted by the family for the arrangements.