Ulas B. Thomas

Ulas B. Thomas, 93 years old from Morganton, GA laid down and went to sleep and woke up in God's promised land on December 10, 2024. 

Ulas was born at home in Sweet Gum, GA on April 29, 1931. He was one son out of the eight kids of the late Burley M. Thomas and Minnie Harper Thomas. 

He was a man of laughter, love of family, and lived for the Lord enjoying the things of God. Ulas became a Christian at a young age at Oak Grove Baptist Church, and he was unashamed to tell others about how God saved him.

He cherished and deeply loved his wife, Sheila Ballew Thomas, for almost 62 years. He greatly grieved and longed to see her again after she passed away August 8, 2015. 

Family was very dear and important to him. He was a faithful friend to everyone he came in contact with. 

Ulas loved to pull pranks or joke with any of his family or friends. No one could leave his presence without a smile on their face. Nothing made him happier than to make people laugh. 

He wanted all his kids and grandkids to know he loved them, and he proved it with his actions. Ulas was always there for his family, no matter the need. 

He was a member of Mineral Bluff Baptist Church, serving as a deacon and playing guitar with his wife who served as pianist. For nine years, Ulas also drove the family's gospel group from state to state to sing gospel music. He never stopped talking about those years when he witnessed many people getting saved and getting help from the Lord.

Ulas was a member of the Ocoee Masonic Lodge and the OES Morganton Chapter #394.

For 42 years, Ulas was a Boilermaker and retired from Tennessee Chemical Company (formerly City Service) at age 65. While working, he did layout work involving complicated math for large jobs which depended upon his skill and knowledge to be completed successfully.

He also used his Boilermaker trade to give back to others and to bless churches. He built steel church baptisteries and steps for churches. He built candle holders and fire dogs as gifts to family and friends. He loved to give to others. 

Ulas served in the U.S. Army in his early years. After retirement, he was a school bus driver for students with disabilities from age 70 until he was 81 years old, which made him the oldest school bus driver in the state of Georgia at the time. 

Ulas was loved and well spoken of by all who knew him. He is survived by his children, Bill Thomas and his wife Lisa, Deleta Lingerfelt and her husband Ron, and Scott Thomas and his wife Tessa. Grandchildren include Justin Thomas, Brian Lingerfelt, Evan Thomas, Branden Thomas, Cameron Thomas and Bryson Thomas. Also, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his father Burley Thomas, mother Minnie Thomas, 4 brothers and 3 sisters as well as his dear wife Sheila Thomas. 

Visitation will be Monday December 16, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 2:00 pm in the chapel at Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home. Honorary pallbearers: International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local #586. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that friends make donations to Pine Ridge Baptist Church in Dallas, GA. 

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ulas B. Thomas; you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranmcdaniel.com.