Joe M. Thomas

Joe M. Thomas was born on March 20, 1927 to Earl and Mary Thomas. While playing basketball at the state tournament during his senior year, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy. After serving two years, he signed with Major League Baseball's Detroit Tigers organization. After leaving the Tiger organization, Joe went to work for the FBI in Washington, D.C. Then, after leaving the FBI, Joe returned to Savannah, Tennessee. He then met and married Robbye Watson of Savannah. They were married on January 10, 1953. Joe and Robbye then went to Memphis to work at Mallery Depot. Joe was later transferred to the main post office in Memphis. While they were in Memphis, their two sons, Joe Michael and Mickey Alan were born. Joe was then transferred to Savannah as Assistant Postmaster, where he later became Postmaster.

Joe was an avid sports fan. He enjoed coaching his sons' sports teams when they were little and continued to watch them play as they grew up. Joe played golf everyday for as long as his health allowed.

Joe is survived by one granddaughter, Jackie Ingram of Memphis, Tennessee; brothers, Frank and wife Bobbie of Savannah, Tennessee and David and wife Nell of Tulahoma, Tennessee; a sister-in-law, Dot Thomas of Centerville, Tennessee; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, Joe was preceded in death by his sons, Mike and Mickey; a sister, Leona Knotts and husband Cullom of Nashville, Tennessee; and his eldest brother, Robert Earl of Centerville, Tennessee.