Willis Ray Thomas, age 91, of Demorest, Georgia, passed away on Friday, July 19, 2024, following a sudden illness.
Mr. Thomas was born on September 27, 1932, in Union County, Georgia, to the late Doc and Julie Edwards Thomas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Ruth Williams Thomas; sons Mitchell Thomas, Wayne Thomas, and Timothy Thomas; second wife Eva Mae Williams Thomas; and fourteen of his siblings.
Willis had retired from Schnadig, where he dedicated 30 years of his career. Before his time at Schnadig, he contributed his skills and work ethic to Regal Manufacturing and the Saddle Shop. Outside of his professional life, Willis was a true outdoorsman at heart. He found joy in coon hunting and deer hunting, spending countless hours in nature. Willis was also a dedicated beekeeper, nurturing his hives and appreciating the simple yet profound cycle of nature. Remembered as a “good old mountain man,” Willis was cherished for his sweet nature and his ability to find happiness in life’s simple pleasures.
Survivors include his daughter, Shirley Marsh, of Clarkesville; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Jean Thomas, of Toccoa; sister, Dorothy Hughes, of Blairsville; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and special friend Tony Souther.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday. July 22, 2024, at the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel, with Rev. Chad Shook and Rev. Jamie Harvey officiating. Interment will follow in the New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the funeral home.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel, at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123.
