Obituary of Frederick-Lee Thomas

Frederick "Freddie" Lee Thomas passed away Nov. 10, 2007, at Flagler Hospital sur-rounded by friends and family. Born April 28, 1937, in Huntington, W.Va., he moved to St. Augustine with his family as a child. He grew up in Mill Creek and spent the rest of his adult life in St Augustine until they moved to Satsuma last year. Mr. Thomas had various careers, including at the Jacksonville shipyards, Greens Fuel and the one he was most proud of, his 33-year career at Anastasia Mosquito Control, from which he retired in 2002. He served his community as a 4-H leader, softball coach for St. Joseph's Academy and was very active in numerous charitable organizations and fundraisers. "Papa" loved race cars in all shapes, sizes and varieties, as a driver, builder and as a spectator. He loved to fish, create works of art in stained glass and to "tinker." "Adapt, improvise and overcome" was one of his many mottos. He loved the great outdoors, camping and traveling to see the beauty of the United States. He loved playing softball and would drive three-plus hours each way to watch one of his kids play a game or to share a hamburger with them. While he was proud of those lives he touched, he was most proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved wife, Helen, of whom he often said "his sun rose and set" by her. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Jennell Thomas; his children, Stephen Thomas, wife Charleen, and their children, Abi, Gregory, and Janelle, and her son Riley; daughters Fredda Edwards and her children, Jonny and Joy, and Danita Thomas Heagy and her husband Mike Heagy. Other survivors include Brad and Raquel Moore, their children Chase and Addison, and Alan and Barbie Moore and their daughter Alyssa. He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Cassie Thomas; a great-grandchild, Jacob Spiedel; a stepson, Darryl Moore; and a son-in-law, Ed Edwards. He also leaves behind his constant companion and friend, his dog Brandy. Freddie Thomas died having fully lived. He squeezed all that life had to offer and when it was done, he said so, closed his eyes and went home to his Heavenly Father. He lived his life on his terms, and we will hold a celebration of his life and visitation at San Sebastian Church on SR 16 from 5-7 p.m. today. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at San Sebastian Church. Interment will follow at Barnes Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully accepted, or donations may be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Fund at 1500 Holcomb Blvd; Houston TX 77030 or to the Live Strong Lance Armstrong Foundation, P O Box 161150, Austin, TX 78716-1150. Kotrady-Hudgins-Croyle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.