Ramsey Sullivan
news@greenepublishing.com
Maurice "Reese" Thomas is a well-known name around the Lee area. Since Thomas passed away on Dec. 1, 2020, there have been nothing but good memories and loving words said about him.
Thomas moved from Valdosta, Ga. to Lee in 1979. He soon joined the Lee Volunteer Fire Department in the early 1980s, and eventually worked his way up to becoming the Fire Chief, which is how many people know him today. In addition to volunteering his time at the fire department, he also worked as an Environmental Technician for PGS. Thomas was a farmer who enjoyed deer hunting and being around other people.
After acquiring his CPR and Red Cross training, Thomas became an instructor to help others learn those skills as well. He completed the 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140 and 160 - various levels of firefighter training - at North Florida Community College. He also worked for the ambulance service in Madison County. In 2009, when heavy flooding and rising rivers devastated the Madison area, Thomas won an award for his work on the body recovery force.
Thomas was described by people in the community as the "Lee community dad." He took kids in the community under his wing and made sure each one made it to graduation. "Reese was outgoing, never knew a stranger, was always talking and always full of shenanigans," said Angel Donaldson, who worked with Thomas at the Lee Volunteer Fire Department.
Thomas was dedicated to the community and was instrumental in getting the Lee community up to speed. Thomas was partly responsible for obtaining a grant to build the fire department in Lee.
Thomas' friend and co-worker of more than 30 years, Leroy Rutherford, views Thomas in the highest regard. "No other person I know would drop what they're doing and come to you no matter what time it is," said Rutherford. "He never met a stranger and he had the kindest heart. His shoes are going to be hard to fill."
Despite all of the hats Thomas wore in the community, he never wavered in his ability to be a loving and dedicated father. He and his wife, Cynthia Thomas, had three sons: Chad, Jamie and Scott. Two of his sons, Chad and Jamie, have followed in their father’s footsteps; Chad works for Shandscair helicopters, and Jamie retired from EMS and is now a farmer. Unfortunately, their other son, Scott is deceased.
In January 2018, Thomas officially hung up his helmet and retired from the Lee Volunteer Fire Department. On Tuesday, Dec. 1., Thomas lost his battle to cancer, leaving an outstanding legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
On Saturday, Dec. 5, when the Thomas family said goodbye to their beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend, fire trucks from various stations in the area lined the streets and escorted his casket to the cemetery to pay their final respects to this esteemed public servant and his family.