Joseph Thomas Obituary

Sarah Anne irwin Eller

I am deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Thomas' passing. My life was touched in a special way by his healing hands when I suffered from asthma as a child. He was a gentle and kind spirit!

Dr. Thomas supported "The Danes" during good times and bad times. He was always there for us. We were fortunate to defeat Bamberg and Dr. Thomas presented the team with a long promised steak dinner.
I am a better person having known Dr. Thomas. He was truly a father to Denmark!!

I thank God for Dr.Thomas,because only God could make a man like him.He was a big part of my family(3 generations)starting with my grandmother his cousin,to my parents, and then myself from the day I was born in 1971.I will always cherish the times he took me hunting with him, which he loved to do even up to his last years. If I had to decribe Dr. thomas with one word it would be "Charity"(1 Cor 13:4).

So sorry to hear of Dr. Joe's passing. A great dad and what a caring, compassionate, Christian man! I recall him visiting Heriot at Clemson one weekend and I was as sick as could be. Of course he had his black bag handy and one shot of Dramamine and Demerol and I was soon on the road to recovery. The epitome of what a doctor should be! I know he will be greatly missed by his family and the whole town of Denmark. My condolences to all of them.

My life has been better for having known Dr. Thomas. He was the kindest, most gentle man I have known. He always reminded me that I was one of his first patients when he moved to Denmark when I was an infant. I can remember his house calls and the black bag he carried. What stands out in my mind is the fact that he visited my Dad's house every day for over a week when he had lung cancer. He was so very kind to us during that time and such a comfort to us. Ms. Betty and Dr. Thomas are special people and loved very much by everyone in our community and beyond. I shall never forget him. God bless you Ms. Betty as I know this is very hard on you.
Anna Barnwell-Williams

I can always remember after I slided into second base in a high school baseball game and messed my knee up. He told me it would OK, but when I got older it would give trouble and every time I went to see him he would ask me first who's the knee. Doc it's not to bad but not any better. Greg M. Williams

I was my honor to be one of Dr Thomas' hospice nurses. The love, support and respect that he gave me with will never be forgotten. Though sad, I am relieved that God anwered his prayers. I can only imagine the reunion that he and his grandson are having right now. Rest in peace, "Doc" you left footprints on my heart. It was my blessing to serve you. Jewel

I recall driving Dr. Thomas and members of the debate team to Tennessee in 1972. Thankful for the time we spent and for your contributions to making Denmark a better place. My prayers are with all of you. David N. Smith D-O Class of 1973

I remember Dr. Joe being at our house on many occasions. The thing that sticks in my mind most is that I hated to hear the door to the inside squeak open while I was sitting in the waiting room, I knew I was up next. Daddy told me I used to run from Dr. Joe when I was little. I am sure he didn't put up with that very long! I also remember that he always greeted me on Sunday when we went to church. He made me feel so welcome especially after I moved away and came to church with my parents. He was definitely an icon in this community. Thoughts and prayers are with the family!
Lou Hightower (Daisy & Harvey) Fairey

As we go through life God blesses us with the joy that comes from knowing that person and the special meaning he has in your life. Dr. Joe was one of those people in my life and my family's life. He was such a fine Christian man that was always so kind and caring and we considered him our friend not just our doctor. My prayers are with you Joseph and all of your family at this time.
Claudia Warren Paulling, D-O Class of 1971

I have known and loved Dr. Thomas my whole life. He has been taking care of my whole family since the 1960s. He delivered my brother, Alan in 1963; and, I can still remember my mom driving me to his house in the middle of the night to be cared for when I was sick. Dr. Thomas was such a kind, wonderful, Christian person who was so compassionate with his patients. I will surely miss him. I am certainly better as a person for having known him.

Dr. Joe always supported sports. I remember him walking the sidelines like a coach would do and always giving us a sign of how good or bad we were playing. He will be missed by all.
Jimmy Owens, D-O Class of 1965

From the time Mike and I married and I moved to Denmark, I knew this was a special man. He always had time for a new mom and treated me as though every question I asked was the most important one he had heard that day. I grew to realize everyone felt the same way. He had a way of making you feel important. Never once did he hurry through a visit to get to the next patient. My family has not received the same type of care since we moved out of the area. We were truly blessed by having known him. We will cherish the memories.

Dr. Thomas was always there for us Hallman children. Long into adulthood, I still counted on him for migraine treatments and other ailments. His nurses were so good and caring, I sure did miss him when he retired. He was a good, compassionate doctor who put the patient first. My sympathies to his family. A life of which you can all be proud. Vivian R., Norway