Antonie "Tony" Bernard Thomas

Antonie (Tony/Sweetie) Bernard Thomas, 53, of College Park, Georgia passed away Monday October 11th, 2021 peacefully at Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center South. The son of Doretha Garrett and Theodore Thomas was born at Anderson Memorial Hospital on December 7th, 1967. His stepfather was Roy Garrett. Tony was a beloved father, brother and uncle who is survived by both parents along with his daughter Akyla, and brothers Mashon Thomas, Dyron Thomas, and Sergeant Major Christopher Thomas and Dr. Anne Evans and nephew Christopher Jr.

Tony possessed a particular skill set in dancing and bringing the crowd to the dance floor. This passion began in the middle adolescent ages with brother Mashon. Collectively, the two performed at various events broadcasting breakdancing on cardboard boxes. Even in recent years, Tony could perform any popular radio dance, on command, with an unmatched level of performance.  Tony shared a very special bond with his daughter and knew exactly how to bring the most beautiful smile to her face. Their time together typically consisted of walking through local parks, playing video arcades, shopping at the mall, and sharing meals and laughs over their favorite restaurants. Tony made all efforts to give his daughter the best life possible.

Tony’s brothers and close friends humorously admired his lavish stubbornness which led to long hours of telephonic and in-person debate on various subjects that typically shifted several tiers away from the original topic. They also remember his strong mentality and humor that came at the perfect time on all occasions.

On August 18th 2021, Tony tested positive for the Coronavirus which led to his hospital admittance on August 25th.  He fought fearlessly for over fifty days however his condition abruptly worsened. The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, administrators, and staff who were committed to doing their best despite unfavorable odds. They would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Kehinde Idowu who epitomized extreme devotion to duty on a daily basis and ensured Tony received the best quality of care possible and that he was treated with the utmost respect.  They also thank the many friends and Valleybrook Outreach Baptist Church community for their endless thoughts and prayers.

The eldest of 4 boys, Tony was the first sibling to serve his country. He was a 1986 graduate of McDuffie High School located in Anderson, South Carolina where he starred in football, basketball, and the high-jump. Immediately upon high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in numerous United States locations and abroad. His personal decorations included the National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2 nd award), Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy “E” Ribbon (3 rd award), Meritorious Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 1 bronze star, and the Good Conduct Medal. On July 3rd 1995, he was honorably discharged and pursued his passion for a career in law enforcement which began as a Correctional Officer at Perry Correctional Institution and continued as a Georgia State University and Marta Transit Authority Police Officer. His career culminated at the Atlanta-Hartsfield Airport.

There will be a friends and family viewing on Friday October 15th 2021 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Watkins,Garrett & Woods Funeral Home located at 1011 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC 29605. On Saturday October 16th 2021 at 1:00pm, closed-casket services will be held at Valley Brook Outreach Baptist Church located at 8323 Augusta Road, Pelzer, SC 29669. On Tuesday, October 19th 2021 at 11:00am, the burial will occur at Greenville Memorial Gardens located at 7784 Augusta Road, Piedmont, SC 29673.

In keeping with Tony’s persona, we encourage everyone to listen to some 80’s music, smile vigorously, and dance until the sunrises.

Watkins,Garrett & Woods Funeral Home in Greenville, SC in charge of professional services.

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