Daniel G. Thomas Jr., DDS

Daniel G. Thomas, Jr. DDS, 72 years old, passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 2, 2015. Dan was born November 2, 1942 in Jacksonville, Florida. Dan was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother and many felt his generosity. His spirit of helping others had no boundaries. He adored his life with his wife, Edie, of nearly 50 years. As a father and grandfather, he was a loving, supportive man. In his dental practice, care for his patients and his staff was paramount. He enjoyed many different facets of life and took humble pride in everything he did. He loved boating in his Boston Whaler and Mako. He enjoyed fishing, scuba diving, and cruising the Intercoastal Waterway with family and friends. His great love of woodwork, building, and placing the finishing touches in his different homes over the years showed his remarkable love and talent in everything he did. He will be forever missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Graduating from Landon High School in 1960, Dan went on to Stetson University for two years, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and graduated from Jacksonville University in 1965. He earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1969. Moving with his family, Dan began his dental practice in North Palm Beach, Florida, where he practiced until 2002. Among his many achievements, Dan was a lifetime member of the Florida Dental Association and past President of the North Palm Beach County Dental Association, where he served two terms from 1976-1982. He also served as chairperson on the East Coast Dental Association Peer Review and was an active member of the Exchange Club of North Palm Beach. Dan was very involved in community service, including Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts of America, the Nassau County Humane Society, and many others. In 2007, because of his great love for the ocean and desire to be near his extended family, Dan and his wife, Edie, retired in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

He is predeceased by his father, Daniel G. Thomas, Sr. and his mother, Helen Rita Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Edie Thomas; his son, Daniel Christian Thomas (Shann); his daughter, Melissa Jane Thomas; his grandson, Hunter Christian Thomas; and his granddaughter, Alexandra Jane Hovan. He is also survived by his sister, Rita Williams Powers (Warren); Terry Duguid (Bill); Guy F. Thomas (Michelle); step-brother, Joseph Spaner (Millie) and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The service will be held on Thursday, May 7, at 11:00 am at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nassau County Humane Society, 639 Airport Road, Fernandina Beach, Florida (904-321-1647) or Barnabas Center, 1303 Jasmine Street, Suite 101, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034 (904-261-7000).

Words of comfort can be left at www.HardageGiddensOaklawnChapel.com. HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, is serving the family.