Robert Thomas III

In Loving Memory of Robert (Pete)Thomas III

Robert (Pete, Petey Rabbit, Mr. Pete) Thomas III, 93, of Thomasville GA, passed away peacefully with family, friends and caregivers by his side on Friday, September 25, 2026. He was born on August 3, 1933, at Archbold Hospital, Thomasville, GA. Pete was the son of Robert Thomas, Jr. and Juliette Renfroe Thomas. His paternal grandfather, Dr. Robert Thomas, started Thomas Drug Store in the 1890's. Dr. Thomas' wife was Maude Olena, daughter of Theopolis Oleana of Brooklyn, NY. His maternal grandparents were David Jackson Renfroe of Thomasville and Alice Jackson Renfroe of Brooks County.

Pete lived life filled with curiosity and discipline and he never met a stranger. He attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA and graduated from Thomasville High School in 1951 before attending the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA. He graduated in 1955 with a B.S. in Industrial Management and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He served his country in the United States Army Corp in Alaska as a Staff Sargent in 1956 running the communications section and the post exchange. Pete returned to Atlanta after the Army working on a master's degree in insurance. His career in the insurance industry was varied and influential and he was successful in each role. He broke sales records and mentored countless younger and older colleagues, many who became lifelong friends. Liberty Mutal Insurance was his training ground and led to his purchasing an agency in Daytona Beach, FL in 1971. In 1980 The MacDuff Agency merged with Brown & Brown Insurance where he became Sales Manager, Executive Vice President and a member of the Executive Committee and Board Member. He took great pride in his career and success and the ability that success afforded him to help others. After moving back to Thomasville in 1986, he was involved in many business ventures including hotel development and management and a mentor and advisor for several local businesses.

Pete was actively involved in many community associations and projects including the Association of Retarded Citizens of Thomas and Brooks Counties; Vice President & Board Member of The Cultural Center; Thomas University Board of Trustees: Chairman and Board Member of the Archbold Foundation; He proudly was instrumental in founding the Community Foundation of South Georgia.

Pete purchased land in Thomasville in 1986 with thoughts of returning home for his "retirement". He sold the family home when his father passed away in 1971. He built 2 beautiful homes with his wife Donna. Whispering Pines and Live Oak Pond. Donna passed before they could share Live Oak Pond and Pete could never truly enjoy the property without her. Fortunately, his original family home became available, and he repurchased and remodeled the Junius Street property and moved back "home" enjoying family and friends there and hosting many Sunday evening supper clubs. Much of the house was redecorated with family furniture and heirlooms and today resembles the home into which he was born. Pete never really retired telling all who asked that he had work to do almost every day of his life. He departed from this world in the same room where his mother placed his cradle when he was born.

Pete will be remembered for his sense of humor and wicked pranks, his legendary trips to Green Turtle Cay and his Goombay Smash, his generosity and love and support for his hometown, his diehard support and recruitment efforts on behalf of Georgia Tech and his hospitality. Many were fortunate to be called a friend by Pete, and each friend knew they were privileged to be in that club. During his long life he was fortunate to have deep friendships with people of all ages, and he was cared for by so many. Pete was thankful to all who opened their doors and their hearts to him, especially after he lost Donna. The Carraway family became a second family to him over the years, and he loved spending his final years as their neighbor.

Pete is survived by children Angela Thomas Borthwick (Roger); Dana Thomas: Juliette (Julie) Thomas: Pete C. Thomas; Tommy Blair (Tammy). His great joy was being surrounded by his many grandchildren and his great grandson, and he was blessed with numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Juliette Thomas; His aunt Sarah Renfroe Little and uncle Dr. Robert Little; his beloved wife Donna Byrum Thomas and his sons Mitch Thomas and Robby Thomas.

His funeral will be held on Thursday October 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM at All Saints Episcopal Church, 443 S. Hansell Street, Thomasville GA followed by burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery. A celebration of his life follows at 3:00 PM at St. James Restaurant, 1145 W. Jackson Street, Thomasville GA. All who knew and loved Pete are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Community Foundation of South Georgia - Pete Thomas Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 2654, Thomasville GA 31799-2654.