Mr. David Earl Thomas of 712 East Pine Street, Vienna, Georgia passed away Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Emory St. Joseph Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 2:00 PM in the sanctuary of the Bethel Baptist Church in Vienna, Georgia.  The burial will follow at Vienna City Cemetery in Vienna, Georgia.

David Earl Thomas David Earl Thomas was born on August 24, 1934, in Laurens County (Dublin), Georgia, to the late James H. Thomas and Theodoshia McLendon Thomas. His family soon moved to Savannah, Georgia, where he was affiliated with the St. Paul Baptist Church.

In 1959, David Earl (affectionately called "Tap") was united in holy matrimony to the late Gladys Rucker Thomas, who passed in 2016. Their three children, Bonnita, David, and Gerald enjoyed his focused, purposeful, and compassionate leadership in the household.

After graduating from Alfred E. Beach High in Savannah, he attended Savannah State College and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Arts education. Later in his career, he earned a Master's Degree in School Administration from Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia.

His educational journey took him initially to Rockmart, Elm Street School where he taught Industrial Arts and coached Track and Field, leading to a Class B state football championship. While at Elm Street, he had the fortunate opportunity to design the Industrial Arts area in the new addition to the facility. He served as president of the local Georgia Teachers and Educators Association while at Rockmart.

Later David Earl taught Industrial Arts, Mathematics, and Physical Education at E.E. Butler High in Gainesville, Georgia. He also coached Football and Track. His outstanding contribution while in Gainesville was leading a march with Dr. Horace Tate and the Georgia Teachers and Educators Association on the Gainesville Board of Education at the beginning of integration. This action eventually led to a peaceful coexistence of students, teachers and the community.

His last appointment was with the Dooly County School System as principal at N. Williams Elementary, Vienna Primary School, Director of Vienna Preschool and Principal of Vienna High School. He rounded out his 30 years in  education as Assistant Superintendent of the Dooly County Schools in charge of Chapter 1 services.

Passion was exemplified by David on the golf field as he sought to win every chance he could. He was Chairman of the Vienna City Zoning Committee and was a Certified Tax Assessor through the University of Georgia. He was known for being rational and effective and for accomplishing great gains without raising his voice. He was a planner who continued to plan until the end of his life.

Surviving David Earl are his children, Bonnita Thomas McDonald (Edison), Brookhaven, GA; David Reginald Thomas, Vienna, GA, and Gerald Earl Thomas (Monica), Woodstock, GA; grandchildren Oliver David Thomas and Olivia Nicole Thomas, Woodstock, GA; brothers, Gene Thomas (Vinola), Evans, GA; and James Bernard Thomas, Savannah, GA; sisters-in-law, Joanne Baldwin Thomas, Augusta, GA; Mary Alice Rucker, Jamaica, NY; Carolyn Hunt Rucker, Hartwell, GA; nieces, nephews, cousins, coworkers, and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers Henton, Herbert, and Albert Thomas.