Lee Thomas, Jr.

C. Lee Thomas, Jr., 53, of Columbia, passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2023. He was born in Charleston, SC, on February 16, 1970. Lee was a graduate of Summerville High School and Winthrop University where he met his lifelong best friends. He was a die-hard Clemson fan whose “blood ran orange and purple” and he got to see his Tigers win three national championships. He enjoyed being in nature especially hunting, fishing and working on his family’s farm. Lee was a jokester and enjoyed making his family and friends laugh. He dedicated his time in the community to coaching soccer at Seven Oaks Park for many years and worked as a Right-of-Way Agent. Lee was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Lee is survived by his loving wife, Faith; his daughters, Savanna Nola Thomas and Lily Grace Thomas; and his son, Zakary Ashe Thomas; his parents, Cedric Lee Thomas, Sr., and Vera Sue Hill Thomas. He is also survived by his sisters, Robin Thomas Berkman (Peter) and Theressa Fortier (Amy), brother-in-law Jamie Ashe (Niesi) and many nieces and nephews along with a brand new grand-niece, and the beloved family dogs, Whiskey and Bentley. Lee was predeceased by his sister, April Thomas Miller, and his in-laws, Billy and Patricia Ashe. A celebration of life service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church (525 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210) at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, June 20th, 2023. The Reverend Gary Loadholdt will officiate. Guests are asked to wear bright colors, preferably orange and purple. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.