Larry Swift Thomas

Larry Swift Thomas passed away at South Georgia Medical Center on Sunday, July 5, 2020.
Born November 30, 1941 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina to Rachel Fairbanks Thomas and William Ernest Thomas, he was reared by his father and mother, Gladys Jackson Thomas.
Larry is survived by his loving family and friends. Married since 1963, his wife, George Ann Moulton Thomas carries his legacy alongside their two daughters and sons-in-laws, Dena & Cesar Berenguer of Milton, GA and Dottie “Lane” & Javier Guzman of Hoschton, GA. Through Larry’s daughters, he is honored by his four grandchildren, Cole Berenguer of Hampton, VA, Tyler Berenguer of Milton, and C.J. & Will Guzman of Hoschton.
He is also survived by his cherished brother and three sisters, James M. Thomas of Augusta, GA, Kaye French of Thomson, GA, Billie English & her husband, Tommy, of Hepzibah, GA, as well as Robi Kelly & her husband, Tony, of Lago Vista, Texas. He will be missed by his beloved in-laws, Jack & Linda Carol Strickland of Hull, GA, Fred & Edie Moulton of Green Cove Springs, FL, and Sheila Thomas of North Augusta, SC. In addition to two special cousins, Tommy Strom & Mary Nelle Strom Williams, he is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins across Georgia and beyond. He is predeceased by his parents, his stepfather, Harry Howard, and brother, Richard Howard.
Larry left his mark on the world through his love of sports and entertainment. Excelling as a ball player at Hepzibah High School, he moved on to play basketball and baseball at Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, the University of Hawaii, and Valdosta State College after completing National Guard basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Following a career in the semi-professional baseball league, Larry returned to Valdosta to accept the position of City Marshall, which included the opening and management of the new Mathis City Auditorium in 1966 for which he was admitted into the International Association of Auditorium Managers (IAAM). During his tenure, he brought numerous upcoming and well-established musicians and entertainers to Valdosta such as The Yardbirds, The Letterman, Jackie Wilson, The Ike and Tina Turner Review, James Brown, and Otis Redding. He later moved to Florida as Deputy Director of The Miami Beach Auditorium and Convention Center, where he worked as a director for a wide variety of events including the 1968 Republican National Convention and The Jackie Gleason Show to big-ticket boxing matches where he worked with Cassius Clay (Muhammed Ali). Afterwards, he worked as Director of the Hollywood Sportatorium in Florida, hosting special events like the Hollywood Rock Festival with Billy Graham as a guest speaker and working hand-in-hand with the Miami Dolphins security team.
In 1970, Larry became Manager of the Richmond Coliseum and Mosque in Virginia. Bringing his passion for sports and athletics to the state, Larry worked with the Richmond Robins Ice Hockey Team and hosted the first ever Russian-American indoor track meet in 1972. On the entertainment side, he was able to attract the likes of Gladys Knight, Glen Campbell, The Jackson Five, as well as Sonny and Cher. Moving farther north, Larry later opened The Niagara Falls Convention Center as Director with Johnny Cash as the inaugural performer. Over his term as Director, he introduced a wave of good music to Niagara Falls with Elvis Presley, Charley Pride, Seals and Croft, Alice Cooper, The Beach Boys, Aerosmith, Neil Diamond, and Three Dog Night. For his contributions and accomplishments in the sports and entertainment industry, Larry was elected Convention Center Manager of the Year in 1974 and was chosen to direct The Miss USA Pageant of 1975.
Larry and George Ann then returned to Georgia to raise their two daughters. Although excelling in several marketing and training positions with Langdale Forest Products and Russ Berry Gift Company, his love and passion was greatest for his wife, daughters, and broader family. Before retiring, he worked for K.C. Publications based out of Las Vegas, Nevada and was a managing partner with Pearl Executive Shuttle.
After returning to Georgia, Larry taught Sunday School classes and is a current member of Central Avenue Church of Christ. In Valdosta, he also served as Past Master of the Azalea Masonic Lodge and a Shriner. He also enjoyed meeting, reading, and sharing stories with his fellow Overseas Brats. In addition to spending time with friends, family, and his grandchildren, he dedicated many days and trips to researching the family’s genealogy.
In the same vein, he took great pride in the lives and accomplishments of his daughters and grandsons. The love he felt and unwaveringly expressed for his family will be remembered for generations to come.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2020 in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Dasher Cemetery in Dasher, Georgia. Due to the high risks posed by the COVID pandemic, we respectfully ask that all attending wear a mask and practice social distancing. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.