Earnest "Earnie" James Thomas, 73, of Saluda, SC, passed away on May 05, 2022  at Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, SC.

Earnest was born on February 20, 1949 to James T. and Ella Grace Thomas in Saluda, SC. He loved the outdoors, old Western TV shows, and was an avid car enthusiast. He served in the United States Armed Forces and was a Vietnam Veteran. He was a devoted Jehovah’s Witness and enjoyed attending services with the West Batesburg congregation.  Earnest was predeceased by his mother and father James and Ella Grace, and sisters Helen Johnson and Claudean Jones. He is survived by his sister Shirlean Thomas, son Earnest Lamont Gilliam (Nawonder), daughters Makeyda Miller (Taris), Iyeshia Pearl Livingston, Yolanda Etheredge, granddaughters Ahlona Thomas, Mary Grace Gilliam, and Amira Gilliam, honorary grandson Benjamin "Flight" Johnston, special friend and caretaker Darlene Johnston, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Earnest did not want a formal funeral service, but you are welcome to attend his burial to support his family and friends as they lay him to rest. The burial will take place on Saturday May 14, 2022 at 10 a.m. at the Bethlehem Baptist Church cemetery located at 238 Quenny Rd, Saluda, SC 29138.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, there will be a memorial service in commemoration of his faithful service as a Christian via Zoom shortly after his burial. Brother Joseph Buhay, an elder in the West Batesburg congregation, will give the memorial talk at 12:30 pm on Saturday, May 14, 2022. The Zoom ID to join this meeting will be 8034223579, the password will be 12345. We hope that you will be apart of this occasion.

You may make a donation to the Vietnam Veterans of America in his honor as an alternative to flowers. 

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