Mr. Samuel Ryland Thomas

June 10, 1955 – December 27, 2024

Mr. Samuel Ryland Thomas, age 69, of Mentone, Alabama, passed away at his residence on Friday, December 27, 2024.

Samuel (Sammy) Thomas was born in Tallahassee, Florida on June 10th, 1955. He spent the majority of his life in Florida working as a carpenter and enjoying his life by the Florida waters. After residing in Winter Haven, FL, Sammy and his life partner of 33 years Sharon Garner, moved to Mentone, AL to retire in the mountains and be closer to family.

Sammy’s love for fishing continued by the Alabama rivers along with his passion for cooking, music, and spending time with dear friends and loved ones. He lived a full life with a genuine smile that would light up any room. His laughter was contagious and his presence comforting. He will be missed immensely by many and we cling to the hope we all have in Jesus to one day see him again.

Sammy loved BIG and we hope that all who knew Sammy got to experience this love.

He is survived by:

Life Long Partner of 33 years: Sharon Garner

Children/Step-Children: Jason Thomas, Jennifer Garner, & Lindsey Blalock

Grandchildren: Jace Thomas, Koral Smith, Brooke Leps (Devin), Aryan Green (Will), Taylor Chaparro, & Zachary Wallace

Great-Grandchild: Berri Leps

Nephew: Zach Thomas

Brother: David “Beodd” Thomas

Special Friends: Ken Herman & Mike Hogue

Preceded in death by:

Parents: Sam & Dorothy Thomas

Grandson: Logan Thomas

Visitation

Date of Visitation:

Visitation Location:

Visitation Time:

Funeral

Date of Funeral: Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 25, 2025

Funeral Location: Sunrise Retreat (8272 AL HWY 117 Valley Head, AL 35989)

Funeral Time: 12:00 PM

Officiating:

Share your condolences:

7 entries.

Kimm from Winter Haven wrote on January 5, 2025 at 10:54 am

I loved my Sammy! He taught me how to make the BEST chicken and dumplings. Oh, he will be missed. I'm blessed to have known him. Rest easy my friend. ❤️🙏

Jo Ann High from Auburndale wrote on January 4, 2025 at 9:07 pm

Sammy was always fun when y'all came to visit me. He will be missed 😢

Katie Steelman from Eloise,Waverly wrote on January 3, 2025 at 3:05 pm

Sammy was a great and loving man and made the world a better place RIP

Katie Steelman from Eloise,Waverly wrote on January 3, 2025 at 3:05 pm

Sammy was a great and loving man and made the world a better place RIP

Katie Steelman from Eloise,Waverly wrote on January 3, 2025 at 3:05 pm

Sammy was a great and loving man and made the world a better place RIP

Jeff & Ànñie Linder from Winter Haven wrote on January 3, 2025 at 12:25 am

A gentle giant with and a infectious laugh. He was a avid fisherman whom always had a whooper of a story as big as his heart. You just remember to tell Johanna I will be coming to catch that whale! Love ya my brother! Rest well my friend.
Annie sends her love and made an extra plate of chicken and dumplings for ya.
PS.
If you're not hungry you know I will eat it. Thanks Sammy I love that laugh of yours! You will be missed.

Melissa from Palm bay wrote on January 1, 2025 at 1:54 pm

I’m so sorry for your loss he was a great guy love y’all