Dr. John Robert
Thomas
July 7, 1944 - April 19, 2026
On Sunday, April 19, 2026, Dr. John R. Thomas of Florence went to be with his Heavenly Father at the age of 81. Visitation will be Friday, April 24 at Williams Funeral Home from 11:00 – 1:00 pm. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 pm in Florence City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Major General (Retired) George Wilson; David Frye, RPh; Gary Jester, Esq.; Dr. Marty Barnes; Dr. Danny Martin; and Dr. Mack Fraser, with honorary pallbearers Dr. Steve Ferzoco, Roy McCorkle, Barry Wood, RPh, and Bud Ward.
Dr. Thomas attended Gilbert Grammar School and later attended Coffee High School, where he graduated in 1962 alongside many lifelong friends. During his school years, he played both basketball and baseball. In 1962, he was a member of the Coffee High School baseball team that won the state championship—the first Coffee team to achieve this honor.
Dr. Thomas went on to attend the University of Alabama School of Dentistry, graduating in 1969. He faithfully practiced dentistry for more than forty years, serving his patients and community with dedication throughout his professional career.
Dr. Thomas is survived by his three children: Dr. Graham Thomas, Katherine Thomas, MBA, and Candace McClure Thomas, a graduate of the Paul Mitchell School. He is also survived by Katie Thomas, wife of Dr. Graham Thomas, and their son, Tristan.
He is further survived by his brother, Richard Russell Thomas, and his wife, Rhonda; their children, Preston McClure Thomas and his wife, Mimms, and their daughter, Suzi; and Courtney Thomas, and his beloved companion, Tina Hubler, and his longtime friend Ms. Cora Harden.
Dr. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy M. Thomas and John S. Thomas, and his grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. John S. Thomas all of Florence, Alabama, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert McClure of Decatur, Alabama.
His kindness, dedication to his patients, and love for his family will be remembered always.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to The Shoals Community Dental Clinic 256-760-4713.
Visitation
April 24, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Visitation
Williams Funeral Home, 1950 Helton Drive, Florence, AL, USA
April 24, 2026 11:00 am
Get DirectionsGraveside Funeral
April 24, 2026
1:30 pm
Graveside Funeral
The Florence City Cemetery, E College St, Florence, AL, USA
April 24, 2026 1:30 pm
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3 Comments on “Dr. John Robert Thomas”
John was a family friend for many years. In addition to being our dentist, he was a golfing buddy of my late husband, David Horton. He and David were two members of the original group of four that played golf on different courses throughout the southeast. The group became close friends and enjoyed playing golf (more than 25 years). I think even more after they retired. His brother Richard and our son Bo made a few trips with them.
Graham, you may not remember, but I drove Billie to Birmingham to attend some function at your school.
Your Dad was so proud of you and later your family. He and I would talk, especially after David passed away.
He would call to check on me. We lived in Panama City Beach after we retired.
Girls, he was proud of both of you too. He would always share what you both were doing.
He was a great, lovable person with a loving, caring heart. He will be missed.
Dr. Joanne Horton
Panama City Beach, FL
Johnny was the definition of a true southern gentleman! He was always a pleasure to be around. I had the honor of being asked to play with his golf team for a large charity tournament. In 2008, Johnny’s team won the Stewart Cink Healing Place Golf Tournament at Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club. It was a wonderful day with lots of smiles, cheering each other on and making lots of great memories.
It was even more special for Johnny to win at Turtle Point because it was his favorite golf course and was a long time member of the Club.
He was a great Dad to Graham, Katherine and Candace. He always made sure they had many opportunities to make the most of birthdays and special occasions like Halloween and especially Christmas!
He loved being a grandfather to Tristan and cherished their annual Family trips to Smith Lake.
Johnny was truly a Southern Gentleman and our friend. He will be missed but his memory will always be in our hearts!
Dr. Thomas was my family’s dentist from the time we moved to Killen in the early 70’s until he retired. We were some of his first clients. He was always so soft spoken. I loved him SO much and hated the day he retired but am happy to have Dr. Griffin now. I know he was a great father. I was so happy when I found out my friend Tina, from the RacquetClub was ballroom dancing with him. My heart goes out to you Tina and to all his family. He was a wonderful man who was taken way too soon.