Donald Vaughn Thomas

Donald Vaughn Thomas, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025, at his Gainesville, Ga., home surrounded by members of his family. He was 92.
Don was born June 2, 1932, in Haleyville, Ala. His family moved to Pell City, Ala., when he was in the fourth grade. He was a proud 1950 graduate of Pell City High School where he excelled on the football field. After serving three years in the Air Force, he attended Auburn University on the GI Bill, becoming the first member of his family to graduate from college. He frequently pointed out that also was the year, 1957, Auburn won its first football national championship. His graduation set a trend as more than 30 members of the Thomas family have now attended Auburn.
Don married Rachel Anne Hill on April 8, 1962. They modeled a God-centered marriage for more than six decades and had had three sons. Don spent 30 years as a pharmaceutical salesman for Bristol Myers Squibb, winning numerous awards for his work before retiring to Gainesville in 1992.
He was a longtime and active member of Clarkston United Methodist Church and the YANSY Sunday School class before retiring. In Gainesville, he and Rachel joined Gainesville First United Methodist Church and were active in the COMET class.
He loved cheering for the Auburn Tigers, even spending his last night watching the basketball team advance in the NCAA tournament. He also loved watching the Atlanta Braves, the Andy Griffith Show and John Wayne Western movies as well as playing golf, spending time with friends and drinking coffee. More than anything, he loved the Lord and grew closer to Him even during illness. He took great pride in his wife, sons and family and always led with a loving attitude and wise counsel.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Hazel Thomas, older sister Margaret Thomas Vaughan, younger brother Eddie Thomas and a great granddaughter, Maxine Marie Payne.
He is survived by his wife of almost 63 years, Rachel; three sons Vaughn (Anita), Bill (Kelly) and Ben (Michelle); grandsons Trey Thomas (Maggie) and Jayden Thomas; step grandchildren Robbie Rolls and Alyssa Rolls; great granddaughter Phoebe Thomas; sister Ann Harmon and sister-in-law Jackie Thomas; and numerous other relatives and close friends.
He will be deeply missed.
Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, April 4, 2025 at Gainesville First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Interment will be in Alta Vista Cemetery.
Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200.
For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com
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