Edgefield Baptist Church is mourning the loss of Pastor Eddie Thomas, who died Monday, July 25.
Thomas, 48, had celebrated his 14th anniversary with the church several weeks ago.
The funeral will be tomorrow, Saturday July 30 at noon at his home church, located at 140 Church Street in downtown Fayetteville. Pastor Wendy Smith will officiate.
Thomas had been ill for nearly a year, but managed to preach every Sunday until four weeks ago.
Under Thomas, the church began with under 100 members, and the ranks have swelled to more than 400. Edgefield has a history going back nearly 150 years.
In September 2004, Pastor Thomas was a recipient of the Gospel Choice Awards. In the winter of 2006, Pastor Thomas was recognized in the Atlanta Business Journal as one of Atlanta’s 100 most influential Pastors. In May 2006 he was named chairperson of the Fayette Area Ministers’ Alliance.
As a leader, Pastor Thomas was a catalyst for change in the development of several youth ministries, community church partnerships, and ministry groups.
Thomas is survived by his parents Vannoy and Marlene Thomas; children David Dale, Min. Barney Jackson, Brian Dexter and Earl Jordan; grandchildren, Josiah Dexter and Adrian Jordan; siblings, David Thomas, Jenny (Harold) Holden, Evelyn (Samuel) Pate, and Tommy Usher; aunt, Carnell Williams; his beloved Edgefield family; and a host of other relatives and friends.
