James J. Thomas III

17p1.previewJames J. Thomas III, of 132 Lincoln Drive, was called to eternal rest on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.

Husband of Mary Holmes Thomas, he was born in Lee County and was the son of James Thomas Jr. and Willie Luckey Thomas. “J.T.” graduated from Benedict College with a B.S. degree in Economics and Business and was employed as a sales executive with Jos. A Banks, Spartanburg.

He was a member and usher of Concord Baptist Church.

J.T. was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Alice Luckey and Geneva Dow.

Surviving are his wife, Mary H. Thomas of the home; six brothers, Selmore Luckie (Corrine) of Camden, Bishop Harold Thomas (Deborah) of Columbia, Minister Alphonso Thomas (Margaret) of Dudley, N.C., Tyron Thomas (Catherine) of Thomasville, N.C., Garnelle Thomas of High Point, N.C., and Marvin Thomas of Charlotte; three sisters, Patricia Gninahin (Tony) of High Point, Rosa Belle (Thomas) and Flossie Stuckley of Elliott, S.C.; sister-in-law, Arrilla Holmes; and brothers-inlaw, Eddie Lee Holmes and Olee Holmes (Sheila), all of Gaffney.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, at Concord Baptist Church with Dr. Michael A. Bridges officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. He will lie in state from 1-2 p.m.

Arrangements by The Gilmore Mortuary.