Joe Thomas

Joe Cephas Thomas (86) of Birmingham, Alabama passed away peacefully Friday, September 15, 2023, to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Joe was born on October 21, 1936, to Grover Cleveland Thomas and Elsie Pass Thomas.  He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Elizabeth Ann Bancroft Thomas, his two devoted sons; Richard Scott Thomas (Meleigha) and Gary Charles Thomas (Amanda), brother Sidney Thomas (Sue) and his four grandchildren:  Daniel Thomas, Madison Thomas, Chase Thomas, and Haley Thomas.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Eugene, and his nephew, Dr. James Thomas.

He was a member of Ruhama Baptist Church for over 60 years. He was active in the youth program and made a public profession of faith as a teenager.  As an adult, he was a faithful servant of the Lord serving as a Sunday School teacher, a lifetime deacon, a sound engineer, and a member of many committees.  He was also active in Men and Women on Mission.  He later joined Huffman Baptist Church and continued his faithful services where he enjoyed being a greeter in Sunday School and worship service.  His goal was to show love and concern to each person who came through the door.

Joe graduated from Woodlawn High School and attended Auburn University.  He carried his Christian work ethic into the workforce as he worked for South Central Bell and AT&T for over forty years.  Joe also served in the Air National Guard and was activated in France in 1961. 

A service in his memory will be at Jefferson Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Trussville on Saturday, September 23, 2023.  The visitation is from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm with a service following from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.  Rev. Larry Smith will officiate and Joe Bancroft will share family memories.

Pallbearers will be Chase Thomas, Daniel Thomas, Chris Blake, Chuck Russell, Richard McDonald, and David Zieverink.  Honorary pallbearers will be Raymond McDonald, Euel McElroy, and Malcolm Pledger.

Memorials to the Alabama Kidney Foundation will be appreciated.  (265 Riverchase Parkway East, Suite 106, Hoover, Alabama 35244.)

The family appreciates all of the excellent health care that Joe received during his illness, especially from Dr. Rebecca Byrd, Dr. Harry Giles, Molly Humphries RN, and Joan MacWilliams, RN.