Gerald Thomas age 87 of Crestview passed away on Wednesday April 8, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. Gerald was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 9, 1932 to Charles Robert and Gladys Thomas. Gerald grew up and was proud to be from Iuka, Miss. Gerald joined the United States Air Force and proudly served his country for 42 years and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. Gerald loved to read especially Westerns and in his younger days he enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting. Woodworking was one of his hobbies and he would travel the country with his wife helping her with her antique refurbishing business. Gerald loved Ole Miss football and pulled for the Rebels in any sport they were competing in. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and was a 4-time Exalted Ruler for the Lodge. Gerald was preceded in death by his first wife Lou Ann Thomas and his daughter Debra Lynn Chambliss. Survivors include his wife of 29 years Dorothy Thomas; his children: Mike Thomas and wife Denise, Ken Howard, David Howard and wife Karen, Angela Phillips and husband Roger, Ray Howard and wife Kathy, and Carole Okwu and husband Al. Also surviving are many many grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family would like to thank Silvercrest Manor and Covenant Hospice for the extra special care that they gave to Gerald. A private burial will take place at Liveoak Park Memorial Cemetery. Due to the pandemic the family will have a memorial service later in the year at the Chapel of Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home when it is safe again for his many friends and family to gather together. Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview.