Thomas Jr, General

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 KJV Mr. General Alston Thomas, Jr., age 61, entered into eternal rest on Friday, January 21, 2011 at Carolinas Hospital System in Florence, South Carolina after a brief illness. Born in Florence County on January 31, 1949, he was the son of General Ervin Thomas, Sr. and Flossie Dorothy Williamson Thomas of Effingham, South Carolina. General was affectionately known as “Junior” by all of his family and friends. “Junior” was educated in the public schools of Florence County and was a 1966 graduate of Gibbs High School in Pamplico, SC. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he fought in the Vietnam War. After being honorably discharged, “Junior” furthered his education at Claflin University, Orangeburg, SC where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. He served as the Dean of Students at Claflin University and was a Tax Assessor for Florence County. After 30 years of dedicated service, “Junior” retired from AT & T in Florence, SC. After an early age, “Junior” became a member of Salem United Methodist Church in the Claussen Community where he worshiped until his death. He was also an active member of the Sand Bed Community Club, Senior Citizens Club and the Disabled Veterans Club. General was united in holy matrimony to Shirley Marcus and this union was blessed with one son, Sheldon Thomas, Sr. “Junior” was a person who loved and lived life to the fullest. He never hesitated to lend a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen or a helping hand to his family and friends. You never saw his face without a smile or heard his voice without a kind word. His personality filled each room he entered and his loving heart embraced everyone he net. He was a loving and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. “Junior” will be greatly missed but never forgotten for his spirit will dwell in our hearts forever. Loved one who will cherish “Junior‘s” fond memories forever are: his wife, Shirley Marcus Thomas; his devoted son, Sheldon (Tonya Michelle) Thomas; two grandsons, Sheldon “Shaq” Thomas, Jr. and “his best buddy”, Shamar Thomas of Effingham, SC; two brothers, Darby (Palma) Thomas, and Rev. Murray Thomas (special friend, Denise); one sister, Geneen Thomas of Philadelphia, PA; five aunts, Lula (Robert) Henry of Columbia, SC; Roseann Andrews of Pamplico, SC; Julia Thomas of Florence, SC; Louise Thomas of Effingham, SC and Annie Jo (Calvin) Steadman of Orangeburg, SC; two uncles, William (Julia) Williams of Florence, SC and Stephen (Susan) Williamson of Atlanta, GA; four brothers-in-law, Henry J. Keels of Greeleyville, SC; Kenneth (Cynthia) Mitchell, Samuel (Juanita) Mitchell, all of Atlanta, GA and Dwoski (Deanita) McCall of Charlotte, NC; six sisters-in-law, Betty (Charles) Benjamin of Irmo, SC; Deeda (Tillman) Gregory of Darlington, SC; Patricia Mitchell and Sharon Mitchell-Scott, both of Florence, SC; Sonya Mitchell and Cynthia Mitchell, both of Atlanta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Glennis Thomas Keels and two brothers-in-law, Eddie and Steven Mitchell. Visitation to be held on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Ideal Funeral Parlor 106 E. Darlington Street Florence, SC US 29506 843 662-3581 info@idealfuneral.com Service to be held on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011 12 pm Salem United Methodist Church 5814 Old River Rd. Florence, SC US 29505 843-669-0970 Burial Ceremony to be held on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011 Salem U. M. Church Cemetery 5814 Old River Road Florence, SC US 29505