PASTOR WILLIAM C. “TOMMY” THOMAS, JR., age 80, Eastman, GA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, June 5, 2026, at his residence.
PASTOR WILLIAM C. “TOMMY” THOMAS, JR., age 80, Eastman, GA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, June 5, 2026, at his residence.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00PM Tuesday, June 9, in Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Shirley Thomas officiating, with interment in Orphans Cemetery.
Tommy was born in Columbus, GA on July 3, 1945, and moved to Dodge County with his family at the age of 10. He was a 1963 graduate of Dodge County High School where he was a star athlete in both basketball and baseball and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
He was owner, broker, and appraiser for Thomas Realty for over 40 years. Through his years in real estate, he worked diligently as a broker and appraiser to help families be able to pursue their dreams of purchasing their homes. He was founder and pastor, along with his wife, Shirley, of Faith Fellowship Ministries for over 25 years and was a faithful board member of Fellowship of New Testament Ministries based in Carrollton, GA. Tommy’s greatest love was his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He served him faithfully for over 45 years, through his witness and ministry. He enjoyed sharing his testimony of how God literally changed his life into a faith filled adventure with God. Tommy lived every day with faith in God and love for his family. He was a God-given gift to his family, who loved his wife, Shirley, for over 44 years according to the principles of the Word of God. He was the best Daddy, Poppy, Brother, and Uncle, who had a sense of humor that made every one laugh.
Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, William C. “Buddy” Thomas, Sr. and Lilah Collier Thomas, beloved son, Toby Smith, father and mother-in-law, Edward and Reasie Dykes, and brother-in-law, Junior Dykes.
He is survived by his Wife – Shirley Dykes Thomas of Eastman; Sons – Cahn Thomas (Penny) of Eastman and Josh Thomas (Tiffany) of Milan; Daughter – Amye Horne Martin (Kevin) of Eastman; Daughter-in-law – Brandi Faircloth Smith of Eastman; Grandchildren – Mackenzie Thomas (Parker Hardin), Seth Thomas, Memphis Thomas, Miles Thomas, Madelyn Thomas, Joeli White Wahl (Gabe), and Jordan White (Alicia Wright); Great-Grandchildren – Sadie Ray Wahl, Grace-Lynn White, Rylenn Cunningham, and Tatum White; Brother – Danny Thomas (Starlett) of Warner Robins; Nephew – Jonathan Thomas (Amanda); Great-Niece and Nephew – Abigail Thomas and Jacob Thomas.
The family may be contacted at Faith Fellowship Ministries, 602 Pearl Bates Avenue, Eastman, GA, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1:30PM-3:00PM Tuesday, June 9. In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions to Gideons International Bible Fund.
Locally owned and operated, Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home, has been "A Tradition of Trust" to Eastman, Dodge County and Middle Georgia for over 65 years.