Watkinsville, GA - On August 30, 2011, Carl Howard Thomas laid down his burden, and entered into peace. A member of Watkinsville First Christian Church (Disciples Of Christ) for his entire adult life, he is now claimed by the heritage of that faith and their trust in their Redeemer, Jesus the Christ.
Mr. Thomas was the husband of Mary Hannah Kenimer, of Oconee County. Born May 18, 1935, he was also a native and lifelong resident of Oconee County. Mr. Thomas was known by one and all as "Hot" Thomas. Hot was the son of Jennie B. and Jimmy Thomas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers: Douglas, Bob, and Tommy. Survivors include his three children: Mark (Dianne) Thomas, Mitch Thomas, and Sherri Thomas. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Morgan Thomas, Madison Thomas, Andrew Thomas, Carleigh Thomas, Lanie Thomas, and Justin Conley, as well as sisters-in-law Katherine (Larry) Weatherford and Elizabeth Thomas.
Hot was an entrepreneur and agribusiness man. He raised cattle, hogs, and turkeys. Hot row-cropped, grew cotton, grains, and ginned cotton. For many years, he owned and operated a large peach orchard on Highway 15 in southern Oconee County. For the past thirty years, he was best known as the owner-operator of the iconic Hot's Barbeque. While the traditional barbeque dishes were featured items on the menu, the walls of the restaurant were lined with Hot's curious blend of tool kits, buttons, figurines, raincoats, bottle collection, and that ubiquitous Southern staple, duct tape. Together, they reflected an admixture as unique as the man himself.
While at Watkinsville High School, Hot participated in many sports, especially basketball. He was the first Chief of the Watkinsville Volunteer Fire Department and was a co-founder of the Watkinsville Little League.
Visitation will be Friday, September 2, from 6:00-8:00 PM, at Lord & Stephens West, on Jimmie Daniel Road. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 3, also at Lord & Stephens West. Interment will follow at Willoughby Cemetery on Highway 15 south of Watkinsville.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Thomas, James Wilson, Hale Burnette, Oliver Kennon, Brett Thomas, and Mike Burnette.
While flowers are appreciated, the family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Oconee County School System, Ag Program (please designate).
Visitation Details
Friday, September 2nd, 2011 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Lord and Stephens, WEST
Service Details
Saturday, September 3rd, 2011 11:00am, Lord and Stephens, WEST
Interment Details
Willoughby Cemetery