Charles L. Thomas, 83 of St Marys, GA went to be with the Lord on February 7, 2026.

Chuck was born on May 5, 1942, in Auckland, New Zealand to the late Collas Thomas and Jean Lumsden Thomas. At the age of two he and his mother traveled by military ship to the United States. They traveled to Panama City, Fl and once his Dad was out of the Navy they moved to Bonifay, Fl where Chuck lived until joining the Army. After graduating from OCS he was assigned to Ft Rucker where he learned to fly helicopters. Then was sent to Vietnam where he flew a gunship with the 336th assault helicopters. He was then assigned to a post in Germany for a year. He then was assigned a second tour to Vietnam flying fixed wing aircraft. He served his country valiantly and with honor. After his second tour, he went Auburn University and graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. While at Auburn, he was accepted into the naval experimental test pilot program. Completing this program was one of his biggest challenges which he did with flying colors. Chuck was then assigned to Edwards Air Force Base in California where he served two years as an experimental test pilot. Upon completion, he transferred to the War College in Fort Belvoir where he was promoted to Lt. Colonel. From there he was transferred to Dallas, Texas to work with Bell Helicopter where he flew the prototype of the Apache helicopter. He was then assigned to the Apache helicopter program office in St. Louis. In 1980 he met the love of his life Faye Nazarian, they were blessed with 43 years of marriage. Together they moved to Huntsville, Alabama where Chuck worked in the Ballistic Missile Defense Command while still in the Army. In 1984 Chuck retired from military service and worked for Martin Marietta in Orlando, Florida. While still with Martin Marietta Chuck and Faye moved to Colorado in 1988 and back to Orlando in 1992. At that time, he took up motorcycle riding which he loved. He once rode his Harley from the Pacific Coast in San Diego, CA to the Atlantic Coast in St Augustine, Fl in 45 hours, 34 minutes. This earned him the distinction of being one of a handful of riders from around the world to accomplish this. In 1998, they moved to Merritt Island, Florida where they found their passion for boating. They took many boating trips to the Bahamas and entered several fishing tournaments. In 2011 they traveled the intercoastal waterway to Newport, Rhode Island. In 2002 Chuck bought a Sonitrol Electronic Security Systems franchise which he ran for 10 years before retiring and moving to the Republic of Panama. While living there he grew vegetables for local businesses and restaurants. He enjoyed being the gentleman farmer and getting his hands dirty. At the end of 2022, they moved to St. Marys where he fought courageously and without complaint the cancer that continued to invade his body. In his quiet way he persevered through all the surgeries and treatments. Like everything else in his life, he faced it with dignity, humility and a strong faith. With his interesting military career, his business acumen and his love for adventure, one could say he lived a storied life and lived it to the fullest. He would want us all to trust in God in all things as he did. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Dianna Putnall.

He is survived by his wife Faye Thomas, his sons Craig Thomas and Chuck Thomas, Jr., and Brother-in-law James Putnall.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday February 24, 2026, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at 10:00 am at the Harbor Worship Center in Kingsland, GA. A military funeral will be held at 2:00 pm at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Harbor Worship building fund.

Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.