On May 15, 2023 Donald Ray Thomas (83) of Harwich was called home, with his loved ones at his side.
Donald who was known to most as “Don” or to close friends and family as “Dumpy,” was born on January 19 1940 in Ware Shoals South Carolina.
He was a loving son to the late Hershel Lee Thomas and Willie Carol (Davis ) Thomas. Don was active in all sports growing up. He had a great passion and talent for baseball. In the mid 1950’s he was scouted by the New York Yankees but unable to go for tryouts due to family obligations. In 1959 at age 19 the whole Thomas family moved to Cape cod. This is where he met the love of his life “Penny." They shared a great love story, that included losses of children , health challenges , and relationship struggles , but they always had Faith to stay committed to the vows they had made to each other and their family. The passion for sports and music were big highlights in his life. He knew the stats to every sporting event at any time, and also knew the lyrics to any song played for him 1970 in Prior He was a foodie of sorts, definitely enjoyed eating and talking about food.
He touched the lives of many youth on Cape Cod as he coached Babe Ruth baseball in the town of Harwich in the 1970s taking the team to the All-Stars and winning multiple championships. This was one of his greatest accomplishments.
He worked at Cape Cod technical regional high school in maintenance from 1980 till 2004. He lived a life that for him was rich and satisfying…. always cracking a joke, and getting the last word in. His quick wit and sense of humor will be greatly missed.
Loving brother to the late Leroy Thomas (Pat) and late sister Mary Frances Gaddis (Roy). Survived by Two sisters which he loved very much Brenda Lee King (Knyle) and Joanne Bassett (Alfred) .
Don was married to the late Penny Idella (Ellis) Thomas. Penny passed away when she was 60 years old and he never remarried. He is the father to the late Donald Ray Thomas Jr and the late John Gary Thomas. and survived by daughter in law Pam Thomas John’s widow. He was a loving father-in-law to the late , David Fletcher, who was married to Teresa for many years, and remained good friends to the family.
Survived by daughter Teresa Anne Fletcher and her Fiancé Darrell Carlson . Also survived by his son Steven Craig Thomas and his wife Susan Thomas.
Donald has 6 grandchildren ~Tim Fletcher , Jill Fletcher , Madison Thomas , Marissa Thomas , Zachary Thomas & Kurt Thomas. and 4 great grandchildren, Novayah Fletcher , Lincoln Green Jr , Ava Green & Jordan Fletcher. He loved them all in a very much.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 11AM at the South Yarmouth United Methodist Church 318 Old Main St. S., Yarmouth mass 02664.