W.H. Mays Mortuary | Augusta, GA

Obituary For Mr. John H. Thomas

Hephzibah, Georgia —Mr. John H. Thomas (Officer) entered into rest Sunday, October 11, 2020 at his residence.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at W. H. Mays Mortuary Chapel with Reverend Sheldon Cooper, officiating.

Public viewing Friday, October 16, 2020 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

John Henry Thomas was born on July 8, 1958, to the late Clarence Thomas and Rosa War Thomas. He was the seventh of eight children born to this union. He grew up in the downtown district of Augusta, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Jean Thomas. At the age of ten, he joined Harmony Baptist Church in Augusta. As a teenager, John later began attending Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. He became a member under the pastorage of Reverend Sheldon Cooper. He enjoyed helping with any of the ministries that needed assistance.

John attended the Richmond County School System, graduating from the Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School, Class of 1976. Many knew John by the nicknames, “Red” and “Johnny Red” - being a popular Drum Major for the Pride of Augusta Marching Band. He furthered his education by later attending the Georgia Department of Corrections Peace Officers Training Academy and became a certified Correctional Officer. He was an Officer at the Augusta State Medical Prison before being employed by the Richmond County Correctional Institute (RCCI). He drove for W. H. Mays Mortuary sometimes as well.

John met Phyllis L. Lewis when they were sophomores at Laney. They became good friends and eventually began to date when they were sixteen years old. They were engaged Five years later and were married on August 31, 1985. five years later, their daughter, Briana Sharee, was born. Two years after that, their son, Brandon Sharrod, was born; thus creating a warm and loving family.

John’s earthly journey ended on Sunday, October 11, 2020. He is resting in eternal peace with some of his loved ones and friends.

John leaves to cherish his memories: the love of his life, Phyllis L. Thomas; daughter, Briana Sharee (John) Pennamon; son, Brandon Sharrod (Chacoya McDonald) Thomas; sister, Ernestine King; brothers, Bobby (Odessa) Thomas of Thomson, GA, Earl (Girdie) Thomas, Ronald (Leila Scott) Thomas, Larry Thomas of Bronx, NY, and Anthony Thomas; four darling grandchildren, Jordyn Thomas-Pennamon, Chamiya Thomas, Jaiden Pennamon, and Jurnee Pennamon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.

His memories will be cherished forever by: his loving and devoted wife, Phyllis L. Thomas; daughter, Briana S.(John) Pennamon; son, Brandon S. Thomas (Chacoya McDonald); four grandchildren, Jordyn Thomas-Pennamon, Chamiya Thomas, Jaiden Pennamon and Jurnee Pennamon; sister, Ernestine King; brothers, Bobby (Odessa) Thomas, Thomson, Georgia, Earl (Girdie) Thomas, Ronald Thomas (Leila Scott), Larry Thomas, Bronx, NY and Anthony Thomas; and a host of relatives and friends.

W. H. Mays Mortuary, 1221 James Brown Boulevard, Augusta, Georgia 30901 (706)722-6401.

Guest Book

My deepest sympathy to the family. Rest in peace John. Love Verona

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My sincere condolences to the family of John. I'm a high school friend who knew him. I hadn't seen him since after moving out west. I have found memories of him and his dear mother Miss Rosa. John loved Barry White's music and I'm sure that they will meet. What a gift to finally be with God!

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John Thomas was such a wonderful person, never met his wife or kids. However, I pray that God will give his beautiful family peace. Donna Williams Maxwell and family.

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Blessing to the Thomas family. I did not get a chance to work side by side with Officer Thomas everyday because he was an outside detail officer, but from the very few times I did talk with him I always left with a smile. He was kindhearted and so nice. He bought me an umbrella because mine broke one day it was raining at work. I will cherish that umbrella forever, Sleep Well Mr. Thomas you will be missed RCCI

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Mr. John Thomas was my neighbor for about 30 years. He was a kind soul and we always greeted he and Phyllis with nice words as we would meet outside. My wife Anita and I watched Brie and Brandon grow, from the day they were each born, into the young adults they are today. This all seems so sudden and he will be sorely missed. Love and condolences to the family and Rest In Peace John. The Keffer Family

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On behalf of the VANN FAMILY we wish to offer our Prayers and Condolences during this time..Losing John is like losing another Family member. SNP JOHN SHELIA VANN BELLAMY &FAMILY

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I didn't know Mr. Thomas long but the time that I did know Mr. Thomas, I do know that he had the kindest spirit and super nice disposition. I was lucky to have had the opportunity to work with him@RCCI. I will miss him walking past my window waving and smiling at me. Rest In Peace Mr. Thomas. I will love you FORVER

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To Phylis,Bri(John),and Brandon and those beautiful grandbabies, I offer my sincerest condolences. John was a wonderful person and we share your pain. I can't beleive he's gone, but I know he knew God and is with him now. Rest on John!! I love you and you will live on in our hearts!!!

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- W.H. Mays Mortuary | Augusta, GA