Robert Thomas was born June 30, 1935, in Burke County, Georgia, to Manuel Thomas and Katherine Reese.

He was such a friendly and happy man that loved to spend most of his time fishing and telling jokes before his health declined. He was a hardworking man who worked at D&H Construction for 10 years and DeKalb County for nine years 

On Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, at Glenwood Nursing Home, he transitioned to his heavenly home at the age of 82, joining his wife, Leatha Lue Washington Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Jeanette Thomas and a special friend, Jennie May Russell.

He leaves to cherish his memories, one son, Robert Thomas Jr.; four daughters, Shirle Washington, Annie Baynes, Nora Thomas and Sheila Thomas; seven step-children whom he raised as his own, Michael Russell, Tonya Russell, Timothy Russell, Joe Russell, Marlena Russell, Curtis Russell and Renzo Russell; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Services began at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Lester Lackey & Sons Funeral Home Chapel in Covington with the Rev. Charlie Stanford as eulogist.