| Graduation Year | Class of 1967 |
| Date of Passing | Apr 05, 2005 |
| About | Thomas was a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned 2 Bronze Stars, 1 Silver Star, and other honors. He was dispatched with the 101st Airborne--“Screaming Eagles“, and served in a transport unit “Road Warriors“. Thomas drove, and sometimes rode “shotgun” on, a truck carrying members of the 101st, supplies, and ammunition between Phu Bai and Da Nang. These were the most sought-after targets in the war. He was a talented musician--guitarist. Music was his life, from the first time he picked up a guitar at the age of twelve and started playing it “by ear” that day. Thomas was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gherig's Disease) in 2002, when he started having trouble playing his guitar and keeping his balance. ALS is a very painful way to die, and victims keep all their mental capabilities until the minute they die. Thomas was a proud person, and we know it hurt him very much to realize the work his care entailed. We all put forth every effort to make sure he knew we loved him and were just grateful to have him with us. He spent the last months of his life in the care of his sister, Shirley. His life was prolonged with the help of a ventilator attached to his trachea, feeding tube, and intensive pain management. Shirley stayed with him in a comprehensive ventilator care facility in Atlanta while she trained to take care of him and his equipment at home. When the training was completed, Thomas’ homecoming was our Christmas present. Several of his old high school friends came to visit often while he was at home with his sister. Their visits were wonderful experiences for Thomas, and his family is very grateful. Thomas’ family will always be grateful for the time they had with him, and we all still miss him very much. |
