Garland Lester Thomas

Garland Thomas of Haleyville, 93, passed away on June 23. His wife of 59 years, Geraldine Lockhart Thomas, passed away in 2005. His visitation will be Wednesday June 26, 2013 at Pinkard Funeral Home-Haleyville from 11:00AM to 1:00PM, with his service at 1:00PM in the chapel, with Dr. Jim Cooley and Buddy Lockhart officiating. Bro. Bob Waldrop providing the music, burial to follow at Winston Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers are Bob Fuller, Jerry Jackson, Jesse McRight, Tripp McRight, Johnny Long, Douglas Mayhall. Honorary Pallbearers are his Coffee Buddies at McDonald's; John Caldwell, Charlie McAfee, JB Kirschler, George Hedges , Robert Blake and Jerry Howell. The youngest of a blended family of 18 children, Garland is preceded in death by 3 sisters: Vida Gates, Vivian Mayhall and Cloa Mayhall; and one brother, Richard Thomas. His one grandchild, Jason Allen Thomas, also preceded him. He is survived by a son, Gary L. Thomas and his wife, Linda, many nieces, nephews and his best friend and brother-in-law, Buddy Lockhart and his wife, Joyce. Garland was born in Haleyville and left only to serve during World War II in the 692nd Tank Destroyer Battalion, fighting in several major campaigns. Each Christmas, he would tell in detail where he was at Christmastime during the war. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Haleyville, and belonged to Haleyville Masonic Lodge #464. Retired from Illinois Central Railroad and spent 18 summers in Haines City, Fl, making many lifelong friends and winning fishing tournaments, he was Known as "the kid" who could fix anything in the retirement community. Famous for grilling steaks for cookouts, Garland loved family gatherings, fishing, storytelling, and having coffee with friends at McDonald's every morning. He spent hours watching the deer gather at the feeders he created in his backyard and the hummingbirds at the feeders he eventually multiplied to 17. Garland spent his last two months at the Col. Robert Howard Veterans Home Assisted Living facility in Pell City where he made many friends among the veterans and the staff, but his heart never left Haleyville. He said recently, "At 93, most of my family and friends are already in heaven"... Now he has joined them. you may leave online condolences at www.pinkardfh.com

Garland Lester Thomas

May 25, 1920 - June 23, 2013

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Garland Lester Thomas

May 25, 1920 - June 23, 2013

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Grief & Healing

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