Ralph Eugene "Gene" Thomas Jr.'s Obituary
Ralph Eugene Thomas, Jr., known to friends and family as Gene, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2024, at the age of 85. He was born on July 14, 1938, in Atlanta, GA, to the late Willie Mae (Jackson) Thomas and Ralph Eugene Thomas, Sr. Gene's life was a testament to his faith, service, and love for his family and community.
After graduating from South Cobb High School in 1956, Gene served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany for two years. Following his military service, Gene began his career with the Ford Motor Company, where he dedicated 35 years of his life. His work ethic, integrity, and commitment earned him the respect of his colleagues and the admiration of his family.
After retiring from Ford, Gene found a new calling as a part-time Funeral Assistant at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home in Austell, GA, serving his community for 17 years.
Gene's faith was an integral part of his life, and he was a devoted member of Austell First Baptist Church for many years. More recently, he found spiritual nourishment and fellowship at Bethany United Methodist Church.
Gene's greatest joy was his family. He shared over 65 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Jane (Wheeler) Thomas, and together they raised five children: Melanie (Butch) Frye, Adam (Sandy) Thomas, Heather (John) Mitchell, Matthew Thomas, and Alexa (Derek) Miller. He is preceded in death by his brother, Charles Thomas, and survived by three sisters, Sandra Kilgore, Naomi Vickers, and Martha Queen.
Gene was a loving and proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Peyton (Brooke) Frye, Zac (Leah) Frye, Grant Thomas, Kate (Brian) Baker, Paige (Walker) Sullivan, Tyler Miller, Madi Thomas, and Drew Thomas. He also cherished his five great-grandchildren, whose laughter and smiles brought him immense joy.
A service for Gene will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home, with a visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Gene's honor. Contributions to Samaritan’s Purse can be sent to PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or made online at https://samaritanspurse.org/. Donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital can be mailed to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or made online at https://www.stjude.org/.
Gene will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love, service, and kindness will continue to inspire generations to come.
What’s your fondest memory of Ralph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ralph?
Share a story where Ralph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ralph you’ll never forget.
How did Ralph make you smile?
