Gene Harold Thomas

Gene Harold Thomas, age 79, of Ellijay formerly of Cumming, GA., after a short illness went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at his home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde E. and Cara Thomas; his brothers and sisters in law, Farris and Louise Thomas, Lynn and Mildred Thomas; nephew, Terry Thomas; niece, Shelia Grindle. He was a member of Harmony Grove Baptist Church. He proudly served his country in the Marine Corp. Gene enjoyed coaching Little League baseball and was proud that one team he coached went to state finals. He also coached Girls softball and with no children of his own, he enjoyed working with all young people. When the sports grew with not enough fields to practice on, he donated land for Bennett Park. He was an avid fan of NASCAR, Bill Elliott and his son, Chase Elliott and got to see both win a Championship. Gene's greatest passion was The Inspirations and Southern Gospel Music. He enjoyed working at Inspiration Park and doing anything he could for the Inspirations. He went on the Singing at Sea cruise with The Inspirations six times.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Thelma Bennett Thomas; nieces, Vickie Greenwood, Freddie and Peggy Gilstrap, and Johnny and Teresa Davis. He was the last male descendant of Will and Maude Thomas and leaves 3 cousins, Betty Thomas of Danridge, TN., Emma Lou Miller of Gainesville, GA., and Mary Lou Wood of Commerce, GA., and a number of cousins on his mother's side. Brothers and sisters in law, Sabra and Dan Freeman, Milford and Betty Bennett of Cumming, Douglas and Linda Bennett of Gainesville (Forsyth County), Juanita Beasley of Gainesville and Reta Thomason of Ellijay, Ga.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 4, 2020 at Ingram Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Mickey Wheeler officiating.

Interment in Sawnee View Gardens.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank John and Ingrid Kearns, friends, and neighbors for all their invaluable help during this trying time.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Rainbow Children's Home, 247 East Main St., Dahlonega, GA. 30533 or Harmony Grove Baptist Church, Keith Bridge Road, Cumming, GA.