Thomas – Lonnie "Hardie" Thomas, Sr., age 87, a lifelong resident of Callahan, Florida passed away on December 13, 2021, at the Community Hospice Alice and T. O'Neal Douglas Center for Caring with his loving family by his side.  He was born in Callahan, Florida on June 25, 1934, to the late Willie Peoples Thomas and Jewel Higginbotham Thomas.  After school, Hardie worked as an attendant at Gulf Gas Station where he proudly served 18 years and then at Nassau Road Department as a Dump Truck Driver until 1990 when he retired.  Hardie married the love of his life, Lila Rose Armstrong, on April 23, 1965, and they have enjoyed the past 56 years of marriage.  He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family most.  Hardie also enjoyed umpiring Little League baseball in Callahan, Hilliard, and Highlands for 32 years.  He loved baseball and certainly enjoyed helping young boys to perfect their skills.  Hardie was a longtime member of North Jax Baptist Church where he thoroughly enjoyed attending, praising, and worshipping His Lord and Savior as well as serving as an usher.  He truly had a great spirit, loved bringing smiles to others, and was known for handing out peppermints.  Hardie was a treasure to his family and friends and will be greatly missed.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Warren Thomas, Irvin Thomas, Leslie Thomas, and Sidney Thomas.

Hardie is survived by his loving wife, Lila Rose Armstrong Thomas of Callahan, FL; children, Lonnie Hardy (Sheri) Thomas, Jr. and Josie Caroline Thomas Douglas both of Callahan, FL; brother, Wayne (Danielle) Thomas of Callahan, FL; sister, Gloria Thomas of Callahan, FL; sister-in-law, Joyce Thomas of Callahan, FL; 5 grandchildren, Chris (Rosland) Reinolds, Janice (Bobby) Smith, Samantha (Cary) Wicker, Stephanie Douglas, Zachary (Taylor) Thomas; great grandchildren, Micah Reinolds, Kinsey Reinolds, Noah Reinolds, Elijah Reinolds, Isaiah Reinolds, Layton Wicker, Lyvia Wicker, Ruby Wicker, and Waylon Thomas.

A Celebration of Hardie's Life will be held on Monday, December 20, 2021, at 11:00 am at Callahan First Baptist Church with Pastor Stephen Peeples officiating.  Interment will follow at Jones Cemetery in Callahan, FL.  The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 19, 2021, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at Nassau Funeral Home Chapel.  The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida 32011. 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family's guest book.