Rupert "Bill" Thomas of Buckhead passed away on January 11, 2011, at the age of 80.   Mr. Thomas was born in Covington to the late John Homer and Mamie Lou (Bohannon) Thomas on June 23, 1930.  Mr. Thomas was employed with the Federal Drug Enforcement agency for 31 years.  He was a member of Philogia Masonic Lodge # 178 in Conyers, and the Georgia Ramblers Motor Home Club.  Mr. Thomas enjoyed all kinds of tools, tinkering with lawn mowers and mowing the lawn. He is predeceased by his sister, Annie Lee Sowell Cook and three brothers, Henri, Horace and Bernard Thomas.

Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife, Amanda Twilley Thomas of Buckhead; daughters and sons-in-law, Victoria Lynn and Jimmy Howe of Covington, Glenda Twilley and James Eady of McIntyre, GA, Dawn Twilley Bloodworth of Eatonton; grandsons, Ronald Dean Smith, Patrick Joseph Smith; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Mr. Thomas will be held Sunday, January 16, 2011, 2:00 PM, at the Access Road Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, with Rev. H. Grady Mosley, II, officiating and interment to follow in Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery, in Covington, with Masonic Graveside Rites. The family will receive friends Saturday, January 15, at the funeral home from 2-6 PM. Flowers are accepted, or donations may be made to Salem Campground, 3962 Salem Rd., Covington, GA 30016; or Madison First United Methodist Church - Building Fund, 296 S. Main Street, Madison, GA 30650.