Timothy "Tim" "Fire Man" Thomas, Sr., 72, a native and lifelong resident of Palatka, peacefully entered the sunset of life on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at his residence, surrounded by his devoted wife and family. The son of Henry Thomas, Sr. and Mary "Li" (Jordan) Thomas, he was born on Thursday, March 16, 1950.  He was educated in the Putnam County School District and a 1968 graduate of Central Academy High School.  "Tim" was a member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and was active in Sunday school.  He also served as a leader in the marriage ministry and was a church maintenance leader. He was a Line Kiln Operator in the Recovery Department at Georgia-Pacific, retiring after 38 years of employment.

"Tim" was a United States Army Vietnam Veteran who earned numerous honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Parachute badge, Combat Infantryman's badge, Vietnam campaign medal w/60 device, and the Vietnam Service Medal.   In 1971, SP4 Thomas earned an honorable discharge.  His hobbies included doing electrical, plumbing, and yard work; playing spades and softball; and he enjoyed wiping down his prized truck.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his son, Tijarra Thomas; grandchildren, Devin Thomas, Caylle Thomas; sisters, Gwendolyn Harrell, Brenda T. Valentine, Rose Lewis, Pamela Thomas Ward, Rebecca A. Williams, Pearlee Youman; brothers, Henry Thomas, Jr., John Henry Seymour and Issac Seymour.

He leaves to cherish his memories and continue his legacy of love : loving wife , Pamala McClendon Thomas; sons and daughters , Timothy (Lalita) Thomas, Jr., Chavarro (Keashia) Thomas, Sr., Marcus (Erica) Thomas, Sr., Tolanda Thomas,  Rhonda Jara; Yevette (Charles) Thomas-Edwards; Anthony (Faye) Royster; 31 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; siblings , Linda (Jimmy) Taylor, Marsha Miller, Frank (Brenda) Cooper, Willie (Annie Mae) Battles, Sandra (Victor) Peeples, Elizabeth Shingles, all of Palatka; Cecil (Juanita) Thomas, Sr., Interlachen; Elder Kenneth (Angela) Thomas, San Antonio, TX; Nora Walker, Muskegan, MI; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law ,  Lula Jones, Palatka; James (Gladys) McClendon, Oakland, CA; Willie Joe (Carmen) McClendon, Sr., Dallas, TX; Robert Brown, Oakland, CA, James Buie, Fayetteville, NC; a host of nieces and nephews, including special nieces , Willetta Hobbs, Daphne McClendon; godchildren , Svea (Jermaine) Douglas, Latoya (Tommy) Robinson, both of Palatka; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, April 15 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Celebration of Tim's Life with military honors will be 12 noon, Saturday, April 16 at Calvary Family Life Center, 1414 Bronson Street, Palatka. Reverend Herbert L. Johnson, Jr., Pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery.