Rev. Thomas

Rev. James Richard Thomas, age 77, of Rockmart (the Yorkville community) passed away Sunday, July 3, 2016 in a Rome medical center following an extended illness.

He was born in Calhoun on Oct. 25, 1938, a son of the late Hazel Thomas and Gladys Mitchell Thomas.

Rev. Thomas graduated from Tennessee Temple Baptist College and began his ministry serving as a Pastor in Wythesville, Va., from 1976 to 1980. He then served as Pastor of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Rockmart from 1980 to 1981 followed by his service in the mission field of Mexico in 1984 and 1985.

From 1991 to 1994 he served the Maranatha Baptist Church in Nachez, Miss. followed by his service to the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Oliver Springs, Tenn. from 1994 until 2014.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death a sister, Dorothy Thomas.

Survivors include his loving wife, Bobbie Thomas, Rockmart; son, Barry Thomas and his wife, Lori, Barnesville; daughter, Beverly Thomas Battles and her husband John, Rockmart; eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; two sisters: Carol Rowell, Rockmart and Judy Early, Cedartown; one brother, Rev. Billy Thomas, Cedartown; a number of nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of the Alvis Miller and Son Funeral Home with Rev. Billy Thomas, Rev. Daniel Mitchell and Rev. Bob Lee officiating. Interment followed in Polk Memory Gardens. Pallbearers included: David Battles, David Thomas, Justin Thomas, Wendell Early, Steve Thomas and Tommy Floyd.

The Alvis Miller and Son Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements for the funeral of Rev. James Richard Thomas.