Mr Gilbert Melvin Thomas

Mr. Gilbert (Gil) Melvin Thomas, passed away peacefully the evening of January 6, 2023 at his home in St. Johns, Florida as a result of heart-related issues. Gil was 81 years old. Gil was born in Madison, Florida on October 14, 1941. He was the first-born child of Melvin and Ruby McCracken Thomas. In 1959, he enlisted in the US Navy, in which he served honorably, achieving the rank of Master Chief prior to retiring after 30 years of service in 1989. Gil was a patriotic supporter of the US military and his service in the Navy played a central role in his life, including leading him to meet his bride, Sue, in Santa Clara, California, where he was stationed. Gil’s Navy career took the family to assignments in Millington, Tennessee; Jacksonville, Florida; Rota, Spain, and Pensacola, Florida, where he retired from the Navy and worked for the US Post Office prior to retiring again, and moving to St. Johns, Florida to be closer to his son, Scott, and family. Gil was predeceased in death by his sisters, Nell Holton and Glenda Dietrich. Gil, a loving and devoted husband and father, is survived by his spouse, Sue, of 52 years, his son, Scott (Blaine) of Ponte Vedra, his daughter, Alana, of St. Johns, and grandchildren Ava and Rowan. He is also survived by his sisters and brother, all of whom loved their “big brother” dearly: Kathryn (Eddie) Hale, Lee; Rachel Penny, Lee; Tommie Bodenstein, Madison and Lester Thomas, Lee; as well as his brothers-in-law Hansel Holton and Perry Dietrich and his many nieces and nephews. Gil loved to bring people together with stories and jokes and made friends wherever he went. Even during the past few difficult months, Gil told stories to hospital staff and doctors, finding ways to brighten their day. This generosity of spirit was Gil’s trademark – wit, love of laughter, and a spirit of caring for others by bringing them joy. Gil enjoyed the thrill of a good yard sale and was constantly on the lookout for treasures for others that were somehow “just what you needed”. Gil was an avid fisherman and was well-known for his skill in catching mullet in the St. Johns River off the Shands Bridge south of Jacksonville. Gil happily shared his techniques – and his fish – with others, who would call ahead to find out when he’d be there. Many a gathering focused on coolers filled with fresh fish Gil caught and prepared for others to enjoy. Funeral services will be held graveside at Oakridge Cemetery in Madison on Saturday, January 14 at 1:00 pm, officiated by Deacon Perry Dietrich, joined by Pastor Trent Abbott, both of Macedonia Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Begg’s Funeral Home of Madison. Condolences may also be shared by visiting www.beggsfuneral.com/obituaries/ In lieu of flowers, donations to the Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery Fund are appreciated, and may be sent, in memory of Gil, to Chris Thompson, 1418 Longleaf Drive, Live Oak, FL 32064.

Mr Gilbert Melvin Thomas

October 14, 1941 - January 6, 2023