Jerry Paul Thomas age 78 passed away November 7, 2021. Jerry was born 1943 in Birmingham, Alabama (as one of four boys) to John L and Lola Mae Thomas. His dad worked for Alabama Power Co., an essential worker, so he was wasn't drafted for World War II.  Jerry was raised in Montevallo, Alabama where he graduated from Montevallo High School. While there he won the state Science Fair as a freshman. He also lettered all four years on the baseball team. He stayed in Montevallo to attend what was then named Alabama College, now the University of Montevallo. He was the first in his family to attend college and he loved it. In fact he loved it so much he not only received one degree, Bachelor of Science, he continued his education at the University of Alabama, Roll Tide!, and received three graduate degrees: Master of Science, Education Specialist and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).  While putting himself through Graduate School by teaching labs he met the love of his life, Susan.  He says he was smitten the first time he laid eyes on her. They married January 25 ^th , 1969, the year Apollo 11 landed on the moon, and were the parents of three extraordinarily wonderful boys whom Jerry often referred to as "the ingrates". Jerry taught at Palm Beach Atlantic College, University of Tampa, Augustana College, and the last thirty years at Capital University. After teaching at Capital for six years (in the first year of eligibility) he won the Praestansia Award as the teacher of the year. He also serviced as Head of the Science Department. He retired at the age of seventy-one. The day after Susan and Jerry's 20 ^th Anniversary he had his first cancer operation. He would suffer three more bouts of cancer as well as Heart Failure, COPD, and various other ailments too numerous to mention, yet Jerry tried to name them all every morning with coffee. Jerry and Susan enjoyed many wonderful years at Grace Brethren Church. Susan was the Drama Director and Jerry (can you believe it?) was a terrific actor, performing in many dramas and skits. Jerry had become a believer in Jesus Christ in 1980. He loved to listen to Billy Graham and continued to support his ministry as well as Campus Crusade for Christ until his death at the age of 78. Because Jerry Loved the Lord, we know he now resides in the presence of the Lord, no longer in pain.