Rodney Thomas

Rodney Thomas passed away on March 12, 2026. He will be remembered most for the way he loved people unconditionally and without judgment. He believed deeply in showing kindness, compassion, and grace to everyone he met, and that spirit remains the legacy he leaves behind.

Rodney graduated from Ocean Springs High School and later attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and pursued specialized studies in grant writing. He built a meaningful career as a rural and urban consultant, eventually founding Thomas Planning Consulting Firm, which he owned and operated for over two decades. Through his work, he dedicated himself to helping communities grow and thrive. Later in life, he started his own cleaning business, which quickly became a ministry as he used every opportunity to share God’s love, kindness, and encouragement with those he served.

Rodney was known for his warm personality and the way he made everyone feel welcome. Those who knew him will fondly remember the famous “Thomas Goodbye,” a simple farewell that could easily stretch into thirty minutes filled with heartfelt “I love you’s,” warm hugs, kisses on the cheek, and one more story or word of encouragement. It was simply his way of making sure everyone around him knew they were loved.

Rodney is survived by his devoted wife, Paula Thomas; his children, Rachael and her husband John McIntyre, Jason and his wife Melissa Brown, Carrie Brown, Nicholas and his wife Kele Brown, and Patrick and his wife Jessica Thomas; and his siblings, John Thomas, Glenn Thomas, and Marlene Cole. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Hudson McIntyre, Beckham Brown, Riles Thomas, Maddyn Thomas, and Granger Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marcel Thomas and Mary “Pie” Thomas.