Joel Leon Thomas

Mr. Joel Leon Thomas, age 77, of Vidalia, went to be with Lord on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at his home following an extended illness. He was a native of Montgomery County and lived in Vidalia most of his life. He was a 1966 graduate of Vidalia High School and later from Swainsboro Vocational-Technical School with a degree in Electronics Technology. He retired from Seaboard Coast Line Railroad after many years and retired after twenty-six years from Georgia Power at Edwin I. Hatch Plant as a master journeyman nuclear electrician.  

Mr. Thomas was a U.S. Army veteran of Vietnam and was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and both Expert and Sharpshooter Commendations. He served as post Commander of American Legion Post #97 in Vidalia and was awarded Legionnaire of the Year of Georgia. He was an active member of Vidalia Cornerstone Church, teaching the Cleo Auld Sunday School Class and serving on the Missions Committee. He helped build handicap ramps for those in need, volunteered at the Salvation Army in Vidalia, and he enjoyed serving others and spending time at the gun range. He is preceded in death by two grandchildren, Hannah Wilkins and Timothy Wilkins; parents, George Wilton Thomas and Yvonne Hamilton Thomas Etheridge; and a brother, Hugh Thomas. 

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sandi Moye Thomas of Vidalia; three daughters, Krissy Leigh Wilkins and husband Glenn of Augusta, Joey Lynn Meyer and husband Sean of Cumming, and Sarah Thomas Torrance and husband Michael of Vidalia; one sister, Opal Combass Phillips of Vidalia; six grandchildren, Manny Wilkins, Abby Wilkins, Madison Torrance, Samuel Torrance, Ethan Torrance, and Chloe Meyer; and several nieces and nephews.  

The funeral service will be Saturday morning, August 16th, 2025, at 11:00 at Vidalia Cornerstone Church with Reverend Jose Caraballo and Reverend David Blalock officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 until just prior to the funeral service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Salvation Army, 220 Mose Coleman Drive, Vidalia, GA 30474 or Dream Center Vidalia, PO Box 307, Vidalia, GA 30475.               

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.              

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