Gus Schraddar Thomas

Gus Schraddar Thomas, 91, of Linwood, passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025, peacefully at his home, with his family by his side.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00, Saturday December 13, 2025, at Higher Ground Baptist Church.

A funeral service will follow at 11:00, at the church, with Pastor Steve Hartzog officiating.

Burial will conclude the services in the church cemetery.

Gus was born on December 24, 1933, in Union County, Fl, to the late Roland Henry Thomas and Pearl Bass Thomas.

After high school, he joined the Army and proudly served in the Korean War, carrying that same dedication into every season of his life. He retired as a truck driver and was a member of the Teamsters Union, though he spent his career behind the wheel of charter buses, school buses, and just about anything that needed driving. A gifted builder and hard worker, he and his son built both of their homes, and he even helped construct Higher Ground Baptist Church, where he remained active for as long as he was able—serving as a deacon, preparing everything early each Sunday morning, and faithfully supporting his church family. In quieter moments, he enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, and watching the squirrels and birds outside his window as he kept a careful eye on the lawn and planned his next mow. Always busy, always helpful, he never stopped doing whatever needed to be done. But of all the things he loved, nothing brought him more joy than family dinners and time spent visiting with the people he loved most.

Along with his parents, he is reunited in death with his beloved wife, Ruth King Thomas; fourteen brothers and sisters; and a grandchild, Angelique.

Left to carry on his legacy are his children, Darwin Wayne Thomas (Susan), of Linwood, Stewart Thomas (Janet), of Salisbury; and Janet Patterson (David), of Clermont, Fl; five grandchildren, Rachelle (Christian), Jeremy (Michelle), Richard (Katie), Keith, and Stewart; five great-grandchildren, Max, Violet, Parker, Payton, Angelique, and Maddie on the way; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292, Higher Ground Baptist Church, 163 Gene Hege Rd, Lexington, NC 27295, or to the American Diabetes Association, here.