M. Reid Thomas, Jr., a lifelong resident of Columbus, GA, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2023 after a brave journey with Parkinson's Disease. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 21 at 11 AM at the chapel at Striffler-Hamby with the Reverend John Fugh officiating. Visitation will be at 10 AM prior to the service at Striffler-Hamby.
Reid was born in San Antonio, Texas on November 29, 1944, son of Dorothy Holmes Thomas and Milton Reid Thomas, Sr. He was a 1962 graduate of Columbus High School. He attended Columbus College and graduated from Auburn University where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
Upon graduation, Reid joined the accounting profession as a CPA and practiced public accounting with several firms before becoming a partner with King, Thomas, Self & Company. In 1995, Reid established his own practice, M. Reid Thomas, Jr. CPA, where he loyally served his clients for 23 years until retirement.
Throughout his life, Reid served on the Boards of many organizations important to the Columbus community and to his family, including Peach Little League, The Kiwanis Club, Boy Scout Troup #24, the American Cancer Society, The Salvation Army, and the Georgia Society of CPAs. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Columbus and was President of the Columbus Chapter of the Georgia Society of CPAs. Reid was a member of First Presbyterian Church until 1998. He then joined St. Paul United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Wildwood Sunday School Class.
Reid was known for his optimistic outlook on life, kindness, calm demeanor, and sense of humor. His favorite pastimes were participating in the active lives of his children, cheering on the Auburn Tigers, listening and dancing to '60's music, enjoying old movies, and being in the company of family and friends.
Reid is survived by his wife, Beth Foster Thomas, whom he married in 1998; his four children, Christopher Reid Thomas, M.D. (Sally) of Greenville, SC, Lauren Thomas Flores (Dean) of Smyrna, GA, James Cannon Thomas of Columbus, GA, and Taylor Holmes Thomas (Liz) of Greenville, SC; six grandchildren, Virginia, Reid, Sam, Thomas, Dorothy, and James LeGrand (Lee) Tate of Birmingham, AL. Reid is predeceased by his wife of 27 years, Dorothy "Dot" Metcalf Thomas, and Beth's son, Luther Watkins Tate. Reid's family would like to acknowledge the long lasting friendship and support of his dearest friend, Chris Tyra.
Those wishing to send a memorial are asked to consider St. Paul United Methodist Church (2101 Wildwood Ave, Columbus, GA 31906) and Columbus Hospice (7020 Moon Road, Columbus, GA 31909).
