Terry Joe Thomas, 71, of China Spring, passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at a local hospice facility.
Funeral Services: 2PM Sunday, November 2nd at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mark Wible officiating. Burial will follow at Bosqueville Cemetery.
Visitation: 5 to 7PM Saturday, November 1st at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco.
Terry was born June 4, 1943 in Crawford to Albert and Lucille (Small) Thomas. He graduated from Waco High School in 1962. Terry married Phyllis Ann Morgan on April 3, 1965 in China Spring. He worked as Security at Nike Missile Base in Denton. He graduated from North Texas State University in 1970, and moved back to Waco in 1974. Terry taught at Tennyson and University Middle Schools from 1978 to 2005. He started raising cattle in 1980. He was an avid sailor and received the Waco Sailing Club’s Yachtsman of the Year Award in 1978. He was also a H-O scale train collector. In 1966, Terry received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Terry was active in the community in Lions Club, Band Boosters, 4-H, China Spring Little League, and middle school industrial technology competitions. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and photography. He previously taught 4 & 5 year old Sunday School at Calvary Baptist Church. He was an active member of Highland Baptist Church.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include wife of 49 years, Phyllis Thomas of China Spring; sons, Dan Thomas and wife Becky of Plano, and Shannon Thomas of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Blake Thomas and Ashley Thomas; cousin, Melody Farra of Waco; in-laws, Dan and Leotia Morgan of China Spring; special brother-in-law, Tommy Morgan and wife Cheryl of Valley Mills; brother-in-law, D.W. Morgan of China Spring; special friends, Cheryl and Michael Sonka of Bellmead; adopted niece, Catherine Sonka of Temple and numerous other relatives.
Pallbearers will be Tom Morgan, Tim Morgan, Sam Morgan, Dr. Joe Morgan, Michael Sonka and Jerry Falls.
The family would like to acknowledge a special thank you to the staff at Providence Hospice Place for their personal and professional care.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest Book at 
Print Obituary & Condolences
Phyllis, I am praying for you and your family. So sorry about Terry Joe, he was such a sweet man. I am glad I got to meet him. You always talked so lovingly about him.
god Bless you!!
Patty
Dear Thomas Family and Friends,
I’m so sincerely sorry for your loss. I imagine this must be a hard time for you all. May you find comfort in knowing that the Most High God has resurrected humans on earth before through His son Jesus and He promises He will do so again very soon. ( Psalms 83:18) (Acts 24:15) (Revelation 21:3,4)
Phyllis and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Terry was a big part of my school life and I enjoyed having him across the hall from me. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and friends.
Kathy
Thomas Family,
Our thought and prayers are with you and your family in this time. My house hold sends our deepest condolences
A former student of Mrs Thomas,
Bob Buro
To the family of Mr. Thomas, I just wanted to say that I was saddened to hear about his passing away. I met Mr. Thomas back when he worked at univ. middle school. I found him to be a very nice and kind man, we used to talk a lot about life, and he was proud of family. May god bless his soul.
On behalf of the Waco High School Class of 1964, I want to offer Condolences to our Classmate and Dear Friend, Phyllis Morgan Thomas, and her family for the Loss of her Beloved Husband, Terry, who was also our Classmate at Waco High School from the Class of 1962 . I am so glad I talked to Terry and got to know him at the WHS Class of 1964 Fiftieth Reunion last May. Phyllis, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this terribly difficult time. The Lord Bless and Keep Us All.
Dorothy Head Powell,
Waco High School Class of 1964
Phyllis and Family,
Our deepest condolences and love to you during this difficult time. God bless you.
Sue Wieting Richardson, Axtell and Lou Wieting McDonald, Gatesville
Hope you are doing well
Hi Phyllis,
You probably remember me; I was married to Lillian when she and I were friends with you and Terry. I was saddened to read of his passing, and my prayers are with you and your family, especially Danny and Shannon. I remember lots of good times with you all, playing games, laughing and just being friends. Terry was unpretentious and a wonderful example of how a Christian man should live. I wish I could have known him longer. Please know that I will be praying for you during these difficult days ahead. I know you will find His grace sufficient, though not always easy.
Love,
Billy Hill
Phyllis, I’m so sorry for your loss. Just know I love you and am praying for God’s unceasing grace. God bless
Phyllis, Danny, Shannon, and families,
This summer, you all were brought to mind. When I didn’t reach you by telephone, the Lord prompted me toward thanksgiving and prayer for your friendship during the years. I learned from you and Terry Joe and the encouragement and hospitality that you gave to us. Your values of living within your means, hard work and not relying on credit influenced me. I loved the visits with your mom, her joy in life and the sheep stories . One of my favorite memories is going out on the boat with you all and Terry’s sense of humor. You both mentored so many young people in school and church as well as friends and others with your lives, an eternal legacy. So sorry for not knowing of your journey during these last days. I love you all and entrust you to God’s continued faithfulness, goodness, and grace. Lillian
Terry is a great man and his Love for others was always in A True Christian Spirit he was a great Sailor also. Phillis his love for you always showed, weather you were present at the time are not. A Great American. Vickie’s and my prayers are with You and Your Family. I can still picture him at the plumbing shop.