Suffragan Bishop Elzy H. Thomas was born Jan. 2, 1932, in Ashland, to the late George Nelson and Ruth Williams Thomas.
He was also preceded in death by all his siblings and his only son, Elzy Thomas Jr.
The seventh among eight children fell asleep on Saturday, July 6, 2013, at 12:15 p.m. at his home in Ashland.
After graduating from Booker T. Washington in 1950, he attended Capital University for a year in Columbus, Ohio. He served in the armed forces for two years and was discharged in March 1954. He was called to the ministry at the age of 17.
He worked part time for Myers Drugstore and retired from Armco Steel after 35 years of service. He pastored Christ Temple Church for 51 years. As a member of the First Apostolic Council of Kentucky and Tennessee he held several offices, including Young Peoples president, Christian Education auxiliary director, council vice chairman, council chairman, elder, district elder and Executive Board member. In 1996 he was appointed suffragan bishop. He was also very active in his community, a Kentucky colonel, a member of the Hack Estep Home board and a blood drive donor for the American Red Cross. He was honored by the NAACP in 1997 with the Community Service Award and honored by the Booker T. Washington Sports Committee in 1997.
He leaves to cherish his life and memory his wife of 58 1/2 years, Margaret Ann Bloxson Thomas; seven children, Kelva Ruth Nelson, Karen Louise (Walter Butch ) Troxler, Kristi Marguerite (Gregory) Rogers, Karla Lucille Thomas, Kerry Lynn Beach, Kimberly Ann Colburn and Katrina Yvette Thomas; 17 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He also leaves a special helper, L. Anderson, the Christ Temple Church family, the FAC of Kentucky and Tennessee and a host of relatives, friends and clergy.
He has fought a good fight, he has finished his course, he has kept the faith. (II Timothy 4:7)
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2013, at Christ Temple Church by Bishop Sherman Merritt. Entombment will be in Rose Hill Burial Park Mausoleum, with military honors by Kenova American Legion Post 93.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2013, with a memorial at 7 p.m. at the church.
Contributions are suggested to Christ Temple Church, 2601 Lexington Ave., Ashland, KY 41101.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland.
Condolences may be sent to steenfuneralhome.com.
