Jack Thomas Sr.

Mr. Jack H. Thomas, Sr. went to sleep at Providence Hospital on July 30, 2021 and woke up in heaven to see the face of his Savior, Jesus. Jack was born in Kilgor, AL on December 15, 1933. Jack was preceded in death by his father, Austin H. Thomas, his mother, Floy O. Thomas, and his sister Margarette Kent. He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Janice Metcalfe Thomas, his sister, Faye Englebert, two sons, Jack H. Thomas, Jr (Lisa) and Charles David "Dave" Thomas. Two grandchildren, Cathryn Rillo and Laura Thomas. Jack was a wonderful great grandfather to Lily O'Neal, Mason Rillo, and Ella Rillo, who called him "Granddaddy". Denise Garvin and her children, Nicholas Garvin and Bethany Garvin and Brianne Harbison and her children Madelyn Harbison and Buddy Harbison were all blessed by the love he bestowed on them. They affectionately called him "Big Jack". Jack is also survived by other relatives and many friends.
More than the love Jack had for his family was the love he had for his Savior, Jesus. Jack was a member of First Baptist Tillman's Corner where he was ordained a deacon and served as a Sunday school teacher and choir member for many years. Jack loved his country and served 42 years of his life in the military. He served in the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, and active duty both in the Air Force and Army where he rose to the rank of Master Sergeant. Jack also served in the Alabama State Defense Force where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served in the Korean Conflict and Desert Shield/ Desert Storm. Among his many accomplishments while in the Army, Jack wrote and supervised the administration of the first Technical Army Training and Evaluation Program ever given to a National Guard or Reserve Unit. The program was accepted by both the National Guard and Reserve Command in Washington D.C. to be administered to all HEMCOs during their training at Equipment Maintenance Center-Europe. Jack excelled in the Army and earned many service medals and awards, including: The Army Meritorious Service Medal (1), Army Commendation Medal (2), and Army Achievement medal (4) plus many more. Jack served as a city police officer in the Birmingham, AL area and as an Alabama State Trooper for many years. Jack's life was a life of service as he coached his son David's little league baseball teams. He volunteered to film his older son Jack's high school football games so the coaches could evaluate the players' performance. Jack was a member of several civic organizations over the course of his life and was a founding member of the Tillman's Corner Senior Center. Jack will be truly missed by all who knew him! The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M until 12:00 P.M. on Wednesday, August 4 at Mobile Memorial Gardens. The Celebration of Life Service will be officiated by Dr. Derek Allen at 12:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 4 at Mobile Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, Jack wanted donations to be made to First Baptist Tillman's Corner (FBTC.org) 5660 Three Notch Rd. Mobile, AL 36619