Obituary of Johnnie B Thomas

Mr. Johnnie B. Thomas aka “Peach, BB or Stacks”, son of the late Eddie B. and Lena Ellis Thomas was born May 26, 1932 in Opelika, Alabama. He attended East Street High School where he left early and went into the Armed Forces. He joined the Branch of Air Force in 1951 and completed a four year tour of duty before being Honorable discharged in 1955 as a Private. He received the National Defense Service Medal before being discharged. From his first union of marriage he had four children. 

Mr. Thomas was an active member of Club 20 in Opelika Alabama and up until his death he was the last surviving member.  In 1956, Mr. Thomas moved to Washington, DC where he met Lydia Mahoney, who preceded him in death in August 2017. From this union they had six children.  

He was a long time Federal employee with Department of Interior where he was a Painter.  He painted the White House, and they often invited him and the family to the White House for Christmas parties. An active member of the Elks Lodge in Washington, DC. He lived a full life. He enjoyed many outings with family such as going to the beach, fishing, Haynes Point for cookouts, baking and cooking. One of his famous meals was Fried Eggs, & Fried Bologna with cheese on toast and the kids took for their lunch. He loved listening to Jazz and Blues, it was quite calming to him.  He quietly departed this life Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at home with family.  He was preceded in death by two sisters, Lena Mae Vandyke and Annie Lizzie Preston, daughters, Mary Lynn Thomas and Sharon Rector, granddaughter, Yvette Rector, and grandsons, Burnell (Wink) Frizzell and Johnny Brunoto Thomas Jr. 

His life will forever be cherished in the lives of his family: sisters, Mary Jean Adams and Suzie L. Barker; aunt Lizzie Mae Robinson; daughters, Angela (Godwin) Thomas-Akandu, Muriel Thomas and Sireta Watkins; sons, Donald Rector, Johnny Brunoto (Dorothea) Thomas Sr., Johnnie B. (Sharon) Thomas Jr., Lawrence (Karen) Thomas, and Kevin Thomas; fourteen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

An honorary recognition to Deon Wade, Brianna Thomas and Stephon Thomas for the special part they played in dad’s care. He will truly be missed, rest in peace!!