Robert Mahaffey Thomas

Macon-Robert Mahaffey Thomas, 68, passed away Tuesday March 10, 2009, at his residence after a courageous one year battle with cancer.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday March 12, 2009, at 2:00PM in the Sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Chip Miller officiating. Burial will be private. Visitation will be held Wednesday March 11, 2009, from 6:00PM until 8:00PM at Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road.

A Memorial Service will also be held at 11:30AM on Saturday March 14, 2009, in Cold Springs Presbyterian Church in Bristol, TN with the Reverend Rick Light officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00AM until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Central GA Hospice, PO Box 6533, Macon, GA 31208, or First Presbyterian Church, 682 Mulberry Street, Macon, GA 31201.

Mr. Thomas was born January 5, 1941, in Bristol, TN to the late Anna Mahaffey Thomas and Hartsel C. Thomas. He graduated from Holston Valley High and attended the University of Tennessee where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.

After marrying his high school sweetheart, Rosemary Gurley, he finished his college at ETSU, graduating in 1963. He began his life's work on August 23, 1963 as a trainee with Sears. Throughout his thirty year career, he moved with his family to several cities in the Southeast and came to Macon, GA in 1986 as the store manager for Sears. Mr. Thomas was a member of the Macon Rotary Club and a past president of Boys and Girls clubs. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and an elder for many years. After retiring in 1993, he spent his time serving the Lord through his church and pursuing his hobbies; golf, tennis and playing with his grandchildren, which were the delight of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Walter Comerford and sister, Wilma Winders.

Survivors: Wife Rosemary Gurley Thomas of 48 years; Daughter, Kristi Stein (John); Son, R. Matthew Thomas (Kimper); Daughter, Betsy Barlow (Dicky); Grandchildren, Jack and Nathan Stein, Luke, Kate and Sally Barlow; Brother, Hartsel "Shorty" Thomas (Gail); Nephews and niece, Hartsel "Chip" Thomas (Sharon), Diane Price (Frank), Rob Thomas, and Reed Thomas (Debbie); Sister-in-law, Mary Lou Comerford of Atlanta; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola on Peake Road has charge of arrangements. Click here to view hi-res photos of floral tributes.