HR168INTRODUCED
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HR168
4U5WLI3-1
By Representative Forte
RFD:
First Read: 20-Mar-25
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5 4U5WLI3-1 03/20/2025 bm (L)bm 2025-1311
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First Read: 20-Mar-25
HR____ MOURNING THE DEATH AND CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF ALLEN
THOMAS.
WHEREAS, with an overwhelming sense of loss, we mourn
the death, yet celebrate the life, of Mr. Allen Thomas of
Eufaula, Alabama, whose passing on March 5, 2025, at the age
of 77, has left a void in the lives of his loving family and
friends and the entire community, where he was highly
regarded; and
WHEREAS, Allen Thomas was born on August 13, 1947, in
Barbour County, Alabama, to the late Clinton and Mamie
Griffin Thomas; he pursued his education at Van Buren School
and graduated from Dr. TV McCoo High School in 1965; from an
early age, he embraced his faith as a devoted member and
Deacon of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, on June 11, 1966, Mr. Thomas married his
beloved wife and lifelong partner, Rena Mae Drewery Thomas,
sharing a union of love and devotion for more than 58 years;
and
WHEREAS, in 1969, he answered the call to serve,
enlisting in the U.S. Army at Fort Benning, Georgia, where
he bravely fought in the Vietnam War and later continued his
military career in the Alabama Army National Guard, retiring
as a Sergeant E5 after 21 years of dedicated service ; and
WHEREAS, throughout his military career, Mr. Thomas
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WHEREAS, throughout his military career, Mr. Thomas
earned numerous honors, including the Army Commendation
Medal, two Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart Medal, the
Vietnam Service Medal, and the National Defense Service
Ribbon, among many others, recognizing his exemplary service
and sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, in 1974, he pursued higher education at
Auburn University and Alabama State University, later using
his expertise as a Brick Masonry Instructor at the Eufaula
Area Vocational School, mentoring future generations; and
WHEREAS, he dedicated over 40 years as a Master Brick
Mason, leaving his mark on numerous landmarks, including
Zion Hill Baptist Church, Eufaula High School, Auburn High
School, Ventress Prison, and the Eufaula Post Office; and
WHEREAS, Allen Thomas was a man of faith, integrity,
dedication, and selfless service, whose legacy will continue
to inspire all who knew him; and
WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his parents,
Clinton and Marnie Thomas; brothers, Clinton Thomas, Jr. and
Sylvester Thomas; and sisters, Mary Thomas and Betty
Parkman; and
WHEREAS, left to cherish his memory are his loving
wife; devoted goddaughters and caregivers, Lillie Gilbert
(Bobby) and Cawana Calloway (Felix); goddaughters, Jackie
Pierce (Leotis), Shanda (Britt) Paige, Star Thomas, Mary Eva
Upshaw (Christopher), Tammy Irving (Ricky), and Yolanda
Kelly; god-grandchildren, Aalyiah and Brandy Deloach, and
Consuela Allen; nephews, Jessie Parkman and James Maurice
Thomas (Tiffany); god-sister, Eunice Eddy (Justin); sisters,
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Thomas (Tiffany); god-sister, Eunice Eddy (Justin); sisters,
Annie Kelly and Ernestine Beatty (Larry); brother, James
Thomas (Gloria); brother-in-law, Earnest Parkman, Sr.;
sister-in-law, Lillie Maude McClendon; devoted friends and
neighbors, Louis and Michelle Hill; and a host of nieces,
nephews, relatives, and friends; and
WHEREAS, a valued member of the community and loved
by many, his passion for life will be remembered fondly; we
join with others to celebrate his life and to mourn his
death; although his presence will be greatly missed, his
memory will be cherished in the hearts and minds of those
who were fortunate to know him ; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, Tha t the death of Mr. Allen Thomas
is recorded with deep sadness, and this resolution is
offered in tribute to his life, along with heartfelt
sympathy to his grieving family.
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