John L Thomas was born into a loving, spiritual family on June 8, 1937 in High Springs, FL. His parents – Wade Thomas, Sr and Enolia Kelly – reared 9 children. John L was the middle child and very close to his Grandmother – Eliza Douglas Thomas – who also lived in their home. The Thomas kids have many happy memories that included hard work and great pranks. John L and his siblings remained very close throughout the years and treasured their time together. He is survived by his sister Sandra Tyre, and his brothers, Charles Thomas and Wade Thomas, Jr.
John L is a graduate of Bell High School where he graduated at the age of 21 due to taking time out of school to work on the family farm. John L boasted that he dated most of the girls at Bell High School and enjoyed the title of Homecoming King.
In 1960, John L married Genelda Johnson (Daughter of Doris Owens from Trenton, Fl). John L and Genelda settled in Jacksonville, Fl where they were surrounded by John L’s loving, large, extended Kelly family. Their two children (John Thomas, Jr. and Connie Thomas) were born there as well.
In the late 1960’s John L started Centurion Press and later A1 Printing. John L was the ultimate entrepreneur – always thinking always innovating. His sister Ruth Tanner knew of these qualities and upon his retirement encouraged him to invent what is now the Thomas Corn System.
Over the last 15 years John L traveled throughout the south promoting his corn system. And, moved to the town of Providence, FL and married Carolyn Stanton of Green Cove Springs, Fl.
John L is survived by his loving wife Carolyn and his two children John and Connie and 6 grandchildren (Jonathan, Bobby, Sammy, Emily, Aaron and Addie Beth) and 7 great-grandchildren.
John L’s humor and wit will be greatly missed! John L left this world in the way he would have wanted. Just before he passed he proclaimed, “I want to go home” and within a few minutes he left his earthly body. He is now reunited with his Heavenly Father and the many friends and relatives who awaited his laughter there.
What a beautiful testimony of a well loved man. My prayers are with you and your family. I think heaven is extra joyful with John L. there.
Beautiful memorial to your Dad’s life, Connie. He lived life large and contributed to the lives of many in a beautiful way. May your hearts find comfort and peace as you say farewell, knowing you’ll be reunited one glad day.
Love and prayers to all of you from Marilan (Jacks wife) and our girls. We will miss John L. But rejoice in knowing he is with loved ones.
Wow, Connie, what a Dad!! Love and sympathy and God be with you and bless you as you learn to live without him.
Joanie
Connie and family, I am sorry, yet grateful to hear how you celebrate this man, your Dad. And the comfort that is guiding you through this time. God will continue to lift you up during this time.
Sandra and the Thomas family. So sorry to hear of the passing of your loving brother. I know your heart is broken but rejoicing that he is in the arms of Jesus. Love you. Alma
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.
I know that it has been years since he passed, but I just found this link. I feel compelled to tell Mr. John’s family that my co-workers and I were always truly happy to see him drive into the parking lot at our family owned farm supply store. He was such a pleasure to talk with and laugh with. He was such a genius inventor and I will treasure my corn creamer and plumbing tool I got from him. I am grateful I knew him.