SFC Calvin Bernard Thomas, US Army (Ret.)

Retired U.S. Army SFC Calvin Bernard Thomas (Thomas), 58, a resident of Gulfport, MS, passed away, on August 3, 2024, at Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA.

Calvin Bernard Thomas was born in Atlanta, GA at Grady Hospital (a Grady Baby), on November 23, 1965, the son of Frank Martin and Mary Alice Thomas. Calvin graduated from George Washington Carver Comprehensive High School in Atlanta, GA Class of 1983. Calvin also graduated from American InterContinental University and received a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. 

Calvin was married to Tara Johnson Thomas on June 10, 1989, at Riley Chapel United Methodist Church, Gulfport, MS. Calvin and Tara were married for 35 years and raised two daughters, Amber Nicole Thomas, and Autumn Namari Thomas. Thomas was the best provider, and the best dad Amber and Autumn could have asked for. They were truly "daddy’s girls." Thomas had a caring heart and was genuinely a good person. You could not ask for a better friend.

Known for his kind and caring nature, Calvin will be remembered as a good person with a big heart. He touched the lives of many with his generosity and willingness to always lend a helping hand. He was a trustworthy confidant who was easy to talk to and genuinely interested in experiencing all that life had to offer. He was a dapper dresser who loved to smell good, often pairing a fine cologne with a timepiece from his watch collection. 

Calvin spent his working career in the United States Army, Active Duty, working in 92G4P Food Service Operations, retiring 30 June 2008 after 24 Years, 8 Months, 27 Days. Thomas, served at Fort Jackson, SC for basic training, Ft. Lee, VA for Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and Ft. Benning, GA for Airborne School. Thomas served his first 10 years in the U.S. Army at Ft. Bragg, NC, 5 of those years were with the 82nd Airborne Division. Thomas served from 1993 through 1995 at Wurzburg Army Hospital in Wurzburg, Germany. Thomas served 1995- 1998 Ft. Lee, VA as Quartermaster Center & School Instructor 92G Food Service Specialist. Thomas served 1999-2008 Ft. Bragg, NC. Retired U.S. Army SFC Calvin Bernard Thomas is also a veteran of the Gulf War, Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm August 2, 1990, through January 28, 1991, Kuwait. After Thomas retired from the military, he worked for KBR in Iraq from 2008-2010. Bahrain 2011-2012 and the UAE, Abu Dhabi 2019-2023. Thomas also worked for the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System from 2013-2019. Thomas officially retired from working in 2023. 

Thomas was preceded in death by his father, Frank Martin, mother, Mary Alice Thomas, sister, Melvinia Thomas and nephew Andre L. Thomas (Tinisha). 

Thomas is survived by his wife, Tara J. Thomas; daughter Amber Nicole Thomas (Darius Norwood) and daughter Autumn Namari Thomas; nephew, U.S. Navy, Senior Recruit, DeAndre Thomas, sister-in-law Tinisha Thomas, niece, Janee Thomas, father-in-law, Retired U.S. Army SFC Phillip Johnson Jr. (Pops), mother-in-law, Jacquelyn Wells Johnson, sister-in-law, Shana Naquai Johnson, brother-in-law Phillip Johnson III and nephew, Jalen William Willis. Very close and longtime friend and confidant whom Thomas met in basic training, (41 years), Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major Swilley Clark. Childhood friend Gregory Horton (41 years) and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Funeral services for Retired U.S. Army SFC Calvin Bernard Thomas will be held on 13 August 2024 at 11:00am at Riley Chapel United Methodist Church, Gulfport, MS.  Visitation will start at 10:00 am.

Infinity Funeral Home extends our condolences to the family of Calvin Thomas.  For inquiries, call 228-436-6722.