Ernie was born in Wilson, North Carolina on November 25, 1934, to the late Ernest Thomas and Bertha Walston Thomas.
Ernie is survived by his sister, Gray Bryan (Ron); three children, Mike Thomas (Mary), Tracie Bray and Barry Thomas; and four grandchildren, Stephanie Bray, James Bray, Beth Thomas and Jonathan Thomas.
He is preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Peggy Johnson Thomas.
Ernie honorably retired from the Army in 1977 as a Sergeant First Class following a 20+ year career, primarily as an Air Traffic Controller. He served in multiple oversees locations, including during the Vietnam Conflict. At the time of his retirement, he was the Tower Chief of Lawson Field at Fort Benning (now Fort Moore).
After his military career, he and Peggy owned and operated Mud Hut Ceramics in Columbus, Georgia until their retirement in the late 1990s.
A visitation for family and friends for Ernie will be held Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia 31907. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia 31907. A burial with military honors will occur following the chapel service at Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907.
