Robert Thomas

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Rank: MSgt

Entered Into Eternal Rest
2023-03-30

Robert Lee Thomas (Papa Bear) went to be with the Lord March 30, 2023. He was born June 21, 1957, in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Isaiah and Frances Thomas. In addition to his parents, Robert was welcomed into Heaven by his son, Phillip.

At the age of 12 years old, Robert accepted Christ and was later baptized in Atlanta, Georgia. He remained firm in his desire to grow and walk with the Lord throughout his life and was a member of the local body at Generations Church in New Mexico.

Robert graduated from Gordon High School and went to vocational school, studying electrical wiring. However, this career did not fulfill the adventure deep within his heart, so following in his brother Isaac’s footsteps, he joined the military in his early 20s. He served over 21 years in the United States Air Force as a combat controller, and retired as a Master Sergeant, touching the lives of countless military members and civilians – many of whom have recently expressed they do not know if they would have been as successful in their careers without the consistent support of "Sergeant" Thomas, whom they all affectionately call "Mouse". During the earlier part of his military career, Robert met his wife, Adrienne, and they shared 43 years, 1 month and 7 days of marriage, along with a LOT of children and grandchildren!

Survivors include his wife, Adrienne; six children, Jamar of Atlanta, Georgia, Alicia of Arkansas, Robert George (Kimberly) of Arkansas, Steven (Fallon) of New Mexico, Benjamin of New Mexico, and Lorienne of New Mexico; ten beautiful grandchildren, Jaylin, Alexa, Cameron, Cora, Bryson, Nathaniel, Haylee, Kadence, Lydia, and Piper who live in the respective states with their parents; and siblings, Isaac (Lily) Thomas and Dorothy Hart, both of Atlanta, Georgia.

Robert’s philosophy on completing a task was DO IT RIGHT or don’t do it at all. He enjoyed weightlifting/sports, keeping his lawn meticulous, building/working in his garage (shopping at Home Depot), and making sure those around him were taken care of.

Robert leaves behind a host of truly amazing family and friends. His Christian dedication, talents, and willingness to help anyone in need will be missed tremendously. May by God’s Grace, these traits live on in those of the lives’ he touched.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service, 1:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Robert will be laid to rest following the services at Chapel Hill Memorial Park.

Published by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home – Jacksonville on Apr. 8, 2023.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/robert-thomas-obituary

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CDR Bill Kempner wrote on May 20, 2023
The "Mouse" was my radio operator on the "Big Patrol" at CCS at Camp Robinson, Ark. . Dec '78, it was cold with snow on the ground. We eluded Det 1, MACOS, and settled in tac bivouac until sunrise. I still remember him pulling into the straps of my running gear to get close for body heat and falling asleep against me. He was a great young guy and I am very glad he had a fine life. Remembered fondly.
The "Mouse" was my radio operator on the "Big Patrol" at CCS at Camp Robinson, Ark. . Dec '78, it was cold with snow on the ground. We eluded Det 1, MACOS, and settled in tac bivouac until sunrise. I still remember him pulling into the straps of my running gear to get close for body heat and falling asleep against me. He was a great young guy and I am very glad he had a fine life. Remembered fondly.... Collapse