Pastor Larry Ronell Thomas, 67, of Metter, formerly of Waycross, departed this life Tuesday, July 24, 2018, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus.

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

He was born November 13, 1950, in Waycross. He was the son of the late Aretha Harris and Coley Thomas.

He served in the United States Marine Corps where he worked as an intelligence specialist. He received the ranking of Sergeant during his time of service. After an honorable release, he transferred to United States Army as a vehicle mechanic. He received an honorable discharge.

He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior early in his life.  Later in life, he re-dedicated his life to the Lord after an encounter with the beloved Mother Dorothy during a Mothers Board Church meeting. He was a long-time member of New Life Community Church of Truth, Inc. He accepted the calling on his life a short time afterward and joined the ministry. He was extremely passionate about his membership as he served as a Chairman Deacon, Superintendent, Pastor’s Aid Committee Member, Praise Team, Men’s Day President and Elder. He was ordained as a Pastor October 28, 2013. He was the Pastor of New Life Oasis of Hope Worship Center in Metter.

He was united in holy matrimony to Terri D. Rowe on April 23, 2005. He was blessed with four children from previous relationships. He was blessed with three step-children within his marriage.

He worked as a semi-truck driver for over 20 years, most recently with Triangle J Drivers. He was well loved and respected by his co-workers and friends. He loved to tell others of the love of Jesus Christ whenever he could. He enjoyed life and believed you should live life to the fullest. He was a strong, hard-working man and lent a helping hand to anyone in need. He always thought of others before himself. His love for family extended far beyond his natural family. It was common to see him offer words of love and advice to children and young adults. His genuine kindness to others earned him the respect by everyone that met him. He will truly, truly be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Elizabeth Thomas, and granddaughter, Nijae Thomas.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Terri D. Thomas; four children, LaSharda (Cornelius) Douglas, Teree (Joseph) Sanders, Freddie Orr Jr., and Micheal Orr; nine grandchildren, Wardrick Whitfield, Jr., Tisian Whitfield, Danaija Douglas, Justin Douglas, Malachi Wagner, Paige Wagner, Joseph Sanders, Jr., Ma’Kenzie Orr and Aleyah Orr; three brothers, Pastor Jackie (Lenora) Harris, Leon Thomas and Reginald (Doretha) Harris; two sisters, Connie (Bradley) Robinson and Antoniette Harris and a host of other loving family members.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Friday, August 3, at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 702 Arnold McKinney Dr., Waycross.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, from the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Waycross where the Rev. Fer-Rell Malone is Pastor. Bishop Cheeks will bring words of comfort.

Interment will follow in Shiloh Cemetery, Moore St., Blackshear.

Final and most sacred arrangements are entrusted to the professional care of Rainge Memorial Chapel, Inc.