Thomas, John Harvey

Thomas, John Harvey

Longtime Alabama pastor and educator John Harvey Thomas Jr. died March 30. He was 83.

After graduating from Auburn University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, Thomas served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Dothan, and First Baptist Church, Troy.

He became a charter member of the faculty of Mobile College (now the University of Mobile), teaching 22 years in the religion department. During that time, Thomas served as interim pastor of 36 churches in the area.

He also helped start Eastern Shore Baptist Church, Daphne, and East Pointe Baptist Church, Spanish Fort.

Thomas and his wife of 58 years, Helen, also served in several other countries, including a 15-month stay in the Philippines.

He is survived by his wife, one son, two daughters and nine grandchildren. (TAB)