John Russell Thomas, age 56, of Sharpsburg, passed away peacefully at home on October 12, 2025.

Russ was born in Thomaston, Georgia on May 17, 1969, to the late Billy and Helen (Ford) Thomas. He grew up in Thomaston alongside his parents and his sisters and brother. Russ graduated from Upson Lee High School class of 1987.

Russ enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1988, and was stationed in South Korea for three years. He came home but soon returned to Korea for another two years and was later stationed in Columbia, SC. Russ moved back to Georgia in 2010 and put down roots in Sharpsburg. 

Russ met and fell head over heels for his bride-to-be, Bethany in 2010. The two were wed in 2012 and enjoyed many thrilling adventures together. Some of their greatest adventures were at sea, sailing to the Dry Tortugas and the Exumas, chasing the wind, anchoring under a blanket of stars, and finding peace in the rhythm of the waves. 

Russ worked in IT as a Customer Assurance Manager with NCR for 25 years. After retiring from NCR he took a position with SADA where he worked for another 4 years before hanging his hat up for good.

Russ spent his last years giving stage 4 cancer one hell of a fight and enjoying time with his family when he was able. Russ fought long and hard and though his battle is now over, his memory will live on forever in the hearts of all who loved him.

He had a smile that could light up any room that was genuine, easy, and full of life. Russ found joy in the simplest things: a good cast on a quiet morning, a perfectly tuned engine, a project well done, a long sail, or time spent with those he loved most.

Russ is preceded in death by his parents: William “Billy” Thomas, Jr and Helen Ford; and his brother: William “Ken” Thomas. He is survived by his wife: Bethany Thomas of Sharpsburg; his daughter and son-in-law Hannah and Michael Dale of Cape Carteret, NC; his son: Christopher Thomas & grandson Beckett Thomas of Camden SC; and his sisters: Karen (Joe) Denby of Thomaston, Ga, and Lynne (Ken) Brown also of Thomaston, Ga; Sister-Cousin Teresa Thomas (Gary) Abell of Columbus, Ga

Russ will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at sea between Boca Grande and the Dry Tortugas.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Russ by taking care of your health – schedule your screenings, check for preventable cancers, and encourage others to do the same.

The Thomas family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 1086 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville. Messages of condolence may be left at www.GeorgiaCremation.com.

 

Rest in Peace, sweet prince ❤️ Russ is in heaven now. 

There are some souls who live so fully, so curiously, and so joyfully that the world feels quieter when they’re gone.

Russ was one of those rare souls.

He lived a life powered by wonder. He loved fly fishing, building robots, airplanes, sailing across turquoise waters, and exploring backroads in Jeeps and Land Rovers. He could build anything, fix anything, and dream up what didn’t yet exist, then find a way to make it real.

Russ built more than machines and projects. He built a life filled with love, laughter, travel, and family. He approached everything he did with fearless curiosity and quiet determination.

He wasn’t just the love of my life. He was the architect of so many incredible memories. From mountain roads to open skies to the deep blue sea, he filled our world with movement, purpose, and beauty.

Though our adventures together here have ended, his spirit, loyal, curious, fearless, creative, and endlessly kind, will always be part of everything I see and do.

Sail on, my love. Fly high. Build endlessly. Find new horizons among the stars. I will meet you there some day. 

All my love, Bethany ❤️🙏