Samuel Thomas Obituary

Samuel Derrick Thomas, 89, passed away Saturday, October 11, 2025 after a brief illness. Born November 8, 1935 in Rains, S.C. to the late Tyson and Janie Page, he was the oldest of eight children. Derrick, or Sam, as he went by both depending on who he was around, was a naturally curious person his entire life, especially when it came to science, medicine and art. And throughout his life, he was devoted to all three. After attending The Art Institute of Atlanta, Thomas enjoyed oil painting, photography, videography and building things, including the first family home that he, his father and his brothers built on Whitemarsh Island in Savannah. He was also a graduate of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. It was his degree from here that Thomas used for his career in X-Ray and Laboratory Management for several hospitals throughout Georgia and South Carolina. He came back home in 1988 to manage the medical laboratory at Loris Community Hospital prior to his retirement in 1998. Thomas was also known for his videography business, Video Memories, which saw him document countless area weddings, receptions and other functions for nearly 20 years. He is predeceased by: one sister, Judy Kaye Thomas, one brother, Eugene "Gene" (Judy) Thomas; and one son, Derrick Brian Thomas. Thomas is survived by: his wife of 64 years, Sandra; daughter Shannon Jordan (Michael); three grandsons: Edison Jordan, Merritt Jordan and Weston Thomas (Madison Hallman); one great granddaughter, Riley Lynn Thomas; one sister, Frankie T. Bone; and four brothers: Jack, John (Linda), Nelson and William (Peaches) Thomas. A visitation service will be held Saturday, October 18, from 3-5 p.m. at Goldfinch Funeral Home in Conway. Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway, is in charge of arrangements.