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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 ❤️🙏
Laura Daniel says
Condolences to the Family of Russ Thomas. I have followed this story for quite some time. Bethany and Russ have traveled several places over the last couple of years during his illness. This has been a true testimony of unconditional love shown to Russ by his family. May Bethany, Hannah, son n law, brother and Grandchild, other family be comforted by God during this time of Bereavement♡
Laura Brock says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Jimmy, Laura and Cory Brock
Rita López says
My ♥️♥️♥️ is Broken but Hapoy No
More Pain. He will always be Remembered as a Happy Person. Rest in Peace ♥️♥️♥️🙏🙏
Jaden says
Fly high Uncle Russ thank you for bringing so much light into the world I love you so much.
Tima Vorapheth says
Rest in love Russ🙏🏽! Your smile and kind heart will always be remembered! I’m so glad I was able to meet you and In the short time I was able to spend with you and Bethany ! Heaven gained another angel! Much love ❤️
Deborah Bloodsoe says
I salute you Russ, for being a beacon of hope during my husband’s fight with cancer. You brought a touch of love, laughter, experience, joy and natural peace whenever I was able to conversate with you. I see you and Mr. Bloodsoe smiling down on Bethany and myself saying we where blessed to have them in our lives. There will never be another John Russell Thomas like you my friend. Live On………………..
Hunter & Joy says
Losing such a wonderful friend is heartbreaking, but the love, laughter, and memories we shared will live on forever. You’ll always be a part of us Russ.We love you and know you are with us every day 💕
BP says
Russ was a great guy. He and Bethany were super supportive of Price middle school. Rest in peace Russ.
Fam.pizano says
Que dios comseda su eterno descanso,Nuestro más sentido pesame,que dios llene de fortaleza a todo la familia para poder sobre llevar esta perdida tan grande,
“Mientras mantengamos el recuerdo de las personas que amos auque se allan marchado siempre estarán con nosotros”
David Miller says
From the entire team at SADA, we are truly saddened to hear this news. Russ was a great man, a true friend to anyone he knew and a mentor to all. Sail on Russ!!
Vahan Yeghiazaryan says
Rest in peace, Russ..
Russ was one of my first managers, and very influential person in my professional career.
He was not only a colleague, but also an amazing friend, he could listen and understand, he was someone you could rely on.
My sincere condolences to the family.
Vaibhav P. Ghorpade says
My sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time.
I had the privilege of working with Russ for a year, and I will always remember him as a true gentleman, a dedicated mentor, and a compassionate listener. Our conversations often provided valuable life lessons that I will carry with me.
Rest in peace, Russ.
Chintan Mehta says
Heartfelt condolences to the family during the difficult time.
Russ was truly a gentleman and kind hearted person. He is great mentor anyone can have.
Rest in peace, Russ.
Biju Chandrasekharan says
I was truly saddened to hear about Russ’s passing. It was a privilege to have known and worked alongside him. Russ had a truly unforgettable optimism that was infectious; he always saw the best in every situation. I will especially cherish our conversations where he shared invaluable life lessons and his deep passion for his career with the Air Force. He also taught me so much about the Civil Air Patrol, enlightening me on its vital work. Russ will be greatly missed, but his positive spirit will live on in all of us he mentored.
Pashtoun Youssof says
My deepest condolences for your loss. I had the great pleasure of working with Russ at SADA, and I’ll always remember his warmth, generosity, and the positive energy he brought to every interaction. He made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Russ was taken far too soon, and his absence will be deeply felt. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. I hope that the love and memories you shared bring you some measure of comfort and peace.