Elder Earnest Lee Thomas was born on Monday, November 14, 1949, in Clarendon County to the late Lizzie Lawyer Thomas and John H. "Son" Thomas, Sr.

He attended the public schools of Clarendon County and graduated from Historic Scott's Branch High School in Summerton, SC.

"Whunt" as he was affectionally called loved the Lord and accepted Christ as his personal Savior. He was a member of Fellowship Outreach Ministries where he was licensed and ordained under the leadership of Apostle Vernetta Bennett.

Earnest had a passion for automotive and repairs that led to him owning and operating Lee's Garage in Sumter, SC.

He was united in Holy matrimony to the late Juanita Brailsford Thomas and from this union they were blessed with three children, Johnny, Bryant and Earnestine.

On Friday, May 21, 2021, Elder Earnest Lee Thomas entered eternal rest at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, Sumter, South Carolina. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three siblings Josie Mae Robinson, Amos Thomas and John Henry Thomas, Jr.

He lives to cherish his memories, his children, Johnny (Julie Preston) Thomas, Bryant Thomas, Earnestine Stasha Thomas, Adrian (Kenny) McFadden, Shondau Kennedy, Kelvin Kennedy and Veronica Ragin; five grandchildren, Kendrick Thomas, Donavon Thomas, Alexus Thomas, Alexander Thomas and Kendra Thomas; five great-grandchildren, Jaida Thomas, Ke'won Mack, Ja'myla Watson, Ja'seon Taylor, Kelise Gist, Brooklynn Pinheiro and Blake Thomas; an army of loving siblings, Evangelist Thomasena (Terry) Thomas Felton, Marion Thomas Williams, James Roy Thomas, Moses Lee Thomas and Lemual (Lisa) Thomas all of New York City, NY, Stoney (Angela) Thomas of Philadelphia, PA, Susan Thomas of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Curley Thomas of Pompano Beach, FL, Betty (Ronald) Dupree, Grand Rapids, MI, Elder Albert (Lucille) Thomas, Aaron Thomas, Steven Lawson, Bryant Lawson, Bishop Terrance G. Tindal, Cornell (Edna) Walters, Tony (Tammy) Lawson, Brain (Pamela) Tindal, all of Summerton, SC, Ella Marie (Lonnie) Evans of Lawrence, MS, Martha Oliver of Manning, SC, Reverend Charlie (Brenda) Thomas of Sumter, SC and a army of other loving siblings; one aunt, Apostle Ester Madison of Summerton, SC and Liza Lawyer of Bronx, NY, an army of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family is receiving friends at 1214 Wilson Road, Summerton, South Carolina and at his home, 13 Dixie Drive -APT A, Sumter, SC, Mask are required.