John Selman Thomas' Obituary
John Selman Thomas, age 95, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025.
John was born to Benjamin Thomas and Thelma Holcomb Thomas in Haralson County, GA but he was raised in Douglas County, GA. John was an engaged student at Douglas County High School, where he was football captain, student council president, and involved with the safety team. He graduated Class of 1948.
John used to say he “had the best job in the world”. He was a service technician on large motors before becoming the service manager. He worked for Cleveland Electric and then Cole Electric, and had a career that spanned 47 years.
The joy of his life was his grandchildren. Whatever the grandbabies wanted to do was what Popeye wanted to do. John enjoyed reading, gardening, and watching SEC football. John was a giving person, and his generosity leaves behind a legacy of lives he touched.
John is preceded in death by his parents; all of his siblings; and the sweetest woman in the whole wide world, his wife, Betty Langley Thomas, to whom he was married an amazing 58 years.
He is survived by his children, Peggy Harris (George) of Mableton and Patsy Nomvete (Thozi) of Austell; grandchildren, Ty Gailey (Nina), Paul Harris, Will Gailey (Abbey), Hannah Pilla (Rajesh), and John Harris; Candace Cope, who was like a granddaughter to him; great-grandchildren, James, Hollis, Madeline, Niam, and Mira; and many beloved extended family and friends.
A funeral service honoring John’s life will be held Saturday, October 18th 1:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Chapel.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 - 1:00 PM before the service.
Interment will follow the service at Mozley Memorial Gardens.
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