Thomas, Wade

Wade Elbert Thomas, 88, passed away on April 19, 2011 following a prolonged illness. Wade was born at the family farm in Darlington County on May 14, 1922 to Lena R. Thomas and Leonard L. Thomas. He graduated from Lamar High School in 1941 having developed a strong desire for education and a curiosity about the world, two traits that would be hallmarks of his life. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1949 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics with a minor in Spanish. In 1950 he married Blostine Hicks, the mother of all three of his children. Their marriage lasted 47 years before ending in divorce. He continued his education by earning his Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University in 1951. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and he served a full career with the Central Intelligence Agency including tours during the wars of Korea and Vietnam. He retired from the CIA in 1977. He never forgot his roots and he was blessed to return to the family farm he loved so much. He was married a second time, to Mary Morton, until her death in 2009. He dearly loved his family and valued commitment to his country and his church. His faith in Jesus, integrity, and hard work were always important to Wade, and he loved a good joke too. His faithfulness, humor, and kindness will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his children, Douglas Wade Thomas and his wife Mary H. W. Thomas, Russell Hicks Thomas, Twyla Blostine Thomas and her husband Jeff Taylor, his sister Ida Belle Grooms and his sister-in-law Addie Mae Thomas. He was preceded in death by his brothers John Woodrow Thomas, Claude Thomas, and his sisters Vera Thomas Lloyd and Alma Clark. The family would like to thank Betty Tedder, the staff of the Methodist Manor, the members of the Gregg Avenue Church of Christ and others who showed their kindness, loving care and support to Wade during his final years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gregg Avenue Church of Christ or the charity of your choice. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at Belk Funeral Home in Lamar, with burial following in Newman Swamp Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.