Ellis James Thomas III (EJ) Obituary (1948 - 2022)

Born Jan 23, 1948, Ellis James Thomas III (EJ) attended William Byrd High School in Vinton, VA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Ellis James Thomas Iii (ej).

Graduation Year	Class of 1966
Date of Birth	Jan 23, 1948
Date of Passing	Sep 04, 2022
About	Ellis James Thomas III (EJ), 74, of Rantowles Creek SC, passed on to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at his home on the creek. Born on January 23, 1948 in Roanoke, VA he was a son of the late Bette Carter Thomas and EJ (Buddy) Thomas, Jr. EJ graduated from William Byrd High School, class of 1966, after attending St Andrews for primary school. EJ grew up in a strong Lebanese family which laid the foundation of his lifelong faith. He attended St Andrews Catholic church as a youth. Ellis was called to serve his country in the Air Force from 1968 to 1971 and was a Vietnam veteran. He found his lifelong calling the next year in California helping people connect with family and friends as a Hearing Care Practitioner at Beltone and continued to do so across 4 different states until retiring in December of 2020. EJ and Vicki and their young family took the plunge in 1979 to move to Charleston, SC when the Beltone territory became available. Ellis was a passionate musician throughout his life and played the guitar, keyboard, flute and bass guitar. His mother, Bette, an accomplished pianist, fostered his love of music. He played in several bands throughout the years, The Dynamics, The Midnight Hour, and most recently The Creek People. He loved being on stage as the center of attention and was the life of the party. Speaking of parties, he had an annual birthday bash/oyster roast for over 25 consecutive years. Ellis loved the water and had several boats over the years. He was fond of all his boat people over the years at the City Marina, Buzzard's Roost, and the Beaufort marina. Above all he loved the Lord and his relationship with Jesus and was a faithful member of St Joseph's Catholic church for over 40 years. Next to his faith, he loved his family so much and was so proud of his sons and 7 grandchildren. He always remarked what a blessing that his family was and how lucky he was. Ellis was a loving husband, father, brother and son who will be dearly missed. Ellis is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Vicki Thomas; sons, Michael(Kate) Thomas and Christopher(Sasha) Thomas; grandchildren, Savannah, Kyle, Amber, Mikey, Logan, Jordan and Noah; loving sister Michele whom he spoke to daily; as well as numerous cousins and friends who were some as close as family. We can't forget about his trusty companion Walker the pup who was always by his side. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 10 AM to Noon at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home West Ashley on Bees Ferry Road. A mass will be held at 1 PM on Thursday September 8, 2022 at St Joseph's Catholic Church at 1695 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd in Charleston SC. Burial to follow afterwards at Live Oak Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Jude's Children Hospital. Messages of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.

Classmate Memories

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Roger Smith '66 said:

So sorry to see another class member pass away. I remember EJ well and counted him as a good friend. He had a good life and served his purpose on this earth well. I feel he received God's highest praise when he entered into the gates of Heaven; "Well done my good and faithful servant"! May God continue to bless his entire earthly family. He will be missed greatly but his memory and the lives he touched will live on in the hearts of his many friends.

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