Adams announces the passing of Mr. Malcolm Gilbert Thomas, Sr., 95, who transitioned Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at his residence.

Mr. Malcolm Gilbert Thomas, Sr. 95, had his transition on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at the residence of his son and daughter-in-law, Malcolm Jr and Valerie.

OBITUARY:
Malcolm Gilbert Thomas passed away at home on Tuesday September 22, 2020. He was born July 18, 1925 - the eighth child of the late Sherry Haywood Thomas and Minnie Lee Thomas. His brothers, and sister, were Bessie Hooks (deceased), Curtis Thomas (deceased), Wendell “Ten” Thomas (deceased), Eva Thomas (deceased), Erby “Peanut” Thomas (deceased), Mildred Thomas (deceased), Daughtry Lee Thomas (deceased).  He attended elementary and high school in Baxley, GA (Appling County).  In 1943-44, Malcolm served his country in the US Navy during WWII.  Upon leaving the Navy, he received a baccalaureate degree in social sciences (1949) from Georgia State College (now Savannah State University), and a master’s degree with a concentration in social science/education administration from Columbia University in New York.  Malcolm married Vera Louise Orr (deceased), a native of Savannah, Georgia, on August 20, 1949 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Bartholomew Kohane officiating. To this union - three sons were born - Malcolm, Jr., Michael, and Mark.

His professional educational career began as a principal at Springfield Terrace Elementary School in Savannah.  From there, he was principal at East Broad Elementary, Cuyler Jr. High, and after 35 years in education, he retired as principle of Scott Jr High in 1983.  That same year his beloved wife retired from teaching at L. S. Shuman Middle School, and they determined to enjoy the rest of their lives together.

Family was the joy of Malcolm’s life as he enjoyed his sons, their wives, and his grandchildren. He was very devoted to his grandchildren - Monique, Malcolm III; Michael, Jr., (Clare); Gunnery Sergeant Lateef (Joanna), and Inayah.  He found great delight in family parties, celebrations and was always the first to get on the dance floor.  He took his grandchildren on amazing vacations throughout the United States from Disney World to Hawaii. He continued this devotion and loving care with his great granddaughters - Madelyn, Giovanna, Kennedy, Luna and Layla.

He was a great friend to many and included them lovingly in family oriented bar-b-ques, low country boils, and theme parties. He was involved in many organizations at Georgia State College to include Veteran’s Club and the Georgia State College marching band (President).  He was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; the Falcons Social Club and he treasured his membership/brotherhood in the Savannah Chapter of the National Guardsmen Association.

He leaves to cherish in his precious memory- his sons - Malcolm, Jr. (Valerie) of Savannah; Michael, Sr. (Aretta) of Texas; Mark of Savannah; his sister-in-law Natividad Orr of Bluffton, SC; Nancy Chan of Washington DC; his goddaughter Andrea Orr (James) of Washington DC; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

These words from Tennyson's Ulysses exemplify the essence of a life of achievements and joy - "... Yet all experience is an arch wherethro' - Gleams that untravell'd world whose margin fades forever and forever when I move... "

Please convey your thoughts and remembrances of Mr. Thomas using the links on our website: www.AdamsFuneralServicesInc.com