Quintus Earl Thomas
Quintus Earl Thomas, 76, of Readyville, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
He was born on Dec. 9, 1947, to Henry and Mary Frances Thomas. He attended Howard High School class of 1965. He began his military career in 1966 spanning over 30 years, with distinguished service as a decorated corporal in the Marine Corps and sergeant in the U.S. Army. Quintus served with distinction during the Vietnam and Desert Storm's wars, quickly rising through the ranks and earning a reputation as a skilled and courageous soldier. During his time in the military, he was awarded multiple medals and honors for his valor and leadership.
Even after retiring from the military Quintus remained committed to working hard and providing for his family. He began working for the city of Chattanooga at local companies, UPS, Roadway Express, the City of Chattanooga, and Food Liners Trucking, all the while staying active in veteran organizations and advocating for improved services and benefits for former service members. In his later years, Quintus relocated to Murfreesboro, where he settled in Woodbury and worked at Hawkins Trucking. The Woodbury community greatly respected him for his unwavering commitment to helping others.
Throughout his life, Quintus demonstrated an extraordinary ability to overcome obstacles and create a fulfilling existence for himself. He was a true philanthropist and role model, inspiring those around him with his resilience and compassion. Quintus’s legacy will continue to live on through the lives he touched and the positive impact he had on his community.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tonya Thomas Cox; son-in-law, Fedel Cox Sr.; great-grandson Tyi’Vyon Sanders Cox; parents, Henry and Mary Frances Thomas; and sister, Hattie Louise Thomas.
He leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted daughter Quintina (Emanuel) Alexander, daughters Elena Hughlett, Quinita Jessup, Tamara Borngne, and Tameshia Bradford; grandchildren, Quintoria Taylor, Wendy Alexander, Norman Trai Toland III, Fedel Cox Jr., Bradrick Alexander, DeShea Hughlett, Alex Hughlett, Thadeus Hughlett, Nitia Jessup, MonChello Jessup, Ebony Stigall, and Quintus Tre Alexander; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, DeWanda Cooper and Mary Swanson, brothers, Melvin H. Thomas, William P. Thomas, and Michael O. Thomas; bonus son, Pastor Terrence Lyons and bonus grandson, Cameron Newman; special friends, Patricia Tolliver, Katie Johnson, Susan York, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Public viewing will be from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16, followed immediately by the funeral service in the chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.
Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery, with a gate time of 2 p.m.