Ernest Ray Thomas

When reflecting on the life of Ernest Thomas, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and unconditional love for his family. He was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his family, no matter how brief or simple the moments. Deeply loved, Ernest will be forever missed by those who knew him best.

The 1920s was an influential time in the United States. The “Roaring 20s,” as the decade is known, ushered in great economic and social change. Motion pictures became widely available in both color and sound, and ballroom dancing and jazz music became wildly popular as well. It was during this exciting time that Walter and Maggie Thomas of Dresden, Tennessee, were awaiting the arrival of their third child. On February 18, 1925, they welcomed their son, Ernest Ray, into the world.

In many ways, Ernest enjoyed a typical childhood of his generation. He was raised in the family home alongside his two older sisters, Rachel and Ruth. Growing up in the Great Depression was not easy for the Thomas children. Their house had no electricity or running water. The family made it through by sharing food, animals, and clothes within their community. From a young age, Ernest was involved with farming with horses and gained many valuable skills, including how to make lye soap and butter and learned how to hunt and trap animals. He was a quick learner, and living through the Great Depression instilled in him the importance of sharing and being kind to others.

When Ernest was young, he accidentally cut off the end of his little finger while playing with an ax. As punishment, he had to bury it in a matchbox. Ernest attended local schools, including Dresden High School. He liked all subjects and had a great love for learning. Ernest made it to the eighth grade before leaving school in 1942 to help his parents with the farm.

On April 27, 1943, Ernest bravely followed the call to serve his country and entered the United States Army at the age of 18. He was shipped out of San Francisco on the President Grant to the South Pacific, which ended up striking a coral wreath, stranding the men to be rescued by a supply ship in Milne Bay. Throughout his time in the military, Ernest served both in the continental United States and overseas. He was involved in several battles in New Guinea, South Philippines, and Luzon, and he was at the liberation of Manila. Ernest began his service as a private medical tech, and he worked his way up to a Corporal in the military police of the 49th general hospital. He served overseas for 23 months. Ernest was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with 3 campaign stars, The Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 campaign star, World War II Victory Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal on January 4, 1946.

Ernest was never afraid to work hard when it came to providing for himself and those who depended on him. After returning from WWII, he settled down in Lansing, Michigan, to begin work for GM. Ernest would go on to work there for the next 32 years. Even after he retired, he was called back to be a consultant for three years in Livonia, Mexico, and Spain. Ernest’s area of expertise was in the sewing department, both in sewing and in repairing the machines.

Exciting changes were on the horizon for Ernest as he met the woman who would soon become the love of his life. Her name was Shirley Garner, and the two first met in Lansing through friends and bonded over their mutual connections. Their relationship flourished as they fell deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Ernest and Shirley were married on June 30, 1951. They moved in with Shirley’s father for a time to help with the farm before settling down into their own house in Lansing.

Of all the things Ernest loved in life, he cherished his family above all else. He and Shirley were overjoyed to welcome their three children, Linda, Gary, and David, into their hearts and home. Ernest thrived in his role as a father, and his children were his pride and joy. He taught Linda, Gary, and David the value of hard work, honesty, and family. Later in life, Ernest was thrilled to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he always made time for them and doted on them at every opportunity. Ernest considered himself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Never one to sit still for long, Ernest pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He received his temporary private pilot certificate on July 25, 1947. Ernest loved spending his summers in Michigan, but he and Shirley also enjoyed visiting Tennessee and going down to Florida for their winters, where he played shuffleboard and made pancakes for the park. Ernest was a skilled mechanic and craftsman. He liked cooking BBQ and was famous for his ribs, chicken, and pulled pork. Ernest could often be found tending to his garden and his prized tomatoes. He was known for his sharp humor, his wisdom, and his excellent storytelling.

As family and friends will certainly attest, Ernest Thomas truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a shining example of courage and service to others, and his primary focus was building deep and personal relationships with all around him. Though he will be dearly missed, Ernest leaves behind a priceless legacy of hard work and loyalty that his loved ones can be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Ernest Ray Thomas of Livonia passed away January 7, 2025 at 99 years of age. He was born February 18, 1925 in Dresden, Tennessee to Walter and Maggie Thomas. Ernest proudly served in the US Army. Beloved husband of Shirley for 74 wonderful years. Loving father of the late Linda (the late Ronald) Dawson, Gary (Carolyn) Thomas, and the late David Thomas. Dearest grandfather of Sandra (Sean) Colburn, Danielle Thomas, Ryanne (Nicholas) Fahnestock, Jaclynne (Randy) Sulkowski, and Hunter Thomas. Dear great-grandfather of Sydney Colburn, Matthew Sulkowski, Joshua Sulkowski, Malia Fahnestock, Carson Fahnestock, Oliver Sulkowski, Adalynn Fahnestock, and Theodore Sulkowski. Ernest was predeceased by his siblings Rachel (Jimmy) Diggs and Ruth (William) Doxey. Visitation Sunday, January 12, 2025 from 12 noon until time of funeral service and military honors at 4 pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48154. Interment will take place at Grove Hill Cemetery, Dresden, Tennessee.