Johnnie M Thomas Jr

Johnnie McSweign Thomas, Jr. 82, passed away on Wednesday, June 8, 2011, after a ferocious and courageous fight with cancer. A faithful man, he left the earth assured of the peacefulness awaiting him with the Lord, his Father. He was born on February 8, 1929 to Mary and John Thomas in Jacksonville, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents and his only brother, Dudley. He is survived by his loving and caring wife, Betty, of 22 years, his five children, Pamela (Robert) Atkins, Melanie (Roger) Paris, Marsha (Randy) Davidson, Jerry (Brenda) Thomas and Terry (Kathleen) Thomas as well as his three stepchildren, Debbie (Alex) Katsacos, Marty (Rosemary) Farnesi and Vincent (Pam) Farnesi. He was also the proud grandfather of 22 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren, one nephew and three nieces. Johnnie served in the U.S. Army and was a 32nd Degree Mason. He was a past president and a proud 60- year member of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 234. Not only was he a skilled pipefitter by trade, he was well known in his church supper group for his macaroni and cheese and his biscuits. A viewing and visitation for family and friends will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 10 at Glen Hill Primitve Baptist Church, Highway 90, Glen St. Mary, Florida. Funeral services will be held at the church on Saturday, June 11 at 2 p.m. The Interment will be held at Riverside Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Stephen Atkins, Brian Paris, Damon Thomas, Jason Thomas, Michael Thomas, Christopher Woods, Mike Woods and Devon Parker. The family is grateful to everyone for their continued prayers, kindness and sympathy. Johnnie will be greatly missed. A 12:00 luncheon will be held prior to the services. Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Town and Country Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd.