David Thomas
Class of 2009
David Thomas learned competition in the city’s parks and at the McCormick Branch YMCA under Bill Childress Sr. and “Buttermilk” Johnson. Born May 20, 1941, and educated in Huntsville City Schools, he played end in football, forward in basketball, and patrolled the outfield in baseball at Butler High from 1956–59. Florence State and legendary coach Hal Self offered the next step, and Thomas made the most of it.
In the two-way era, he lined up at end on offense and defense, gathering scars and respect in equal measure. In one memorable game against Northwestern Louisiana, he caught five passes and recorded nine solo tackles—an emblem of his reliability. In 1963 he led the Lions in receiving while anchoring a rugged defensive front and was named a permanent co-captain. Teammates trusted his voice; coaches trusted his preparation.
After graduation he joined Lee High School’s staff under principal Fulton Hamilton and coach Bill Godsey, then returned to Florence for a master’s degree. He coached football at Bradshaw High and basketball and track at Forest Hill Middle, carrying forward lessons picked up in youth leagues and college huddles.
In 1977 Thomas changed arenas, becoming a State Farm agent in Florence and building a successful practice until his retirement in 2002. The competitive drive remained, redirected into service and mentorship. He often cited the resilience of his mother, Thelma—who worked by day and attended business school by night after his father died when David was nine—as the lodestar for his life. He equally credited his wife of 46 years, Jo Ann, for steady encouragement to complete his degree and for shared devotion to family.
They raised a daughter and a son and now celebrate four grandchildren. David Thomas is remembered as a complete athlete, a principled coach, and a provider whose example outlasts seasons.
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