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George Aldred Thomas, of Easton, MD died at The Dixon House on January 27, 2025.
George was born in Cambridge, MD on May 8, 1938, the son of Carlton and Virginia Thomas. George attended Cambridge High School (Class of 1956) and Salisbury State Teacher’s College (Class of 1960). Following graduation, he was an algebra teacher at what is now Easton Middle School. Known as “Butch” in his youth, he married his teenage sweetheart, Julie Spedden, in August of 1962.
In 1968, he and Julie purchased the Easton Dairy Queen, where they began long relationships with many beloved ‘regulars.’ He provided a structured work environment for countless young people, who learned from his strong worth ethic and generous spirit. Mr. T was known for working around the busy schedules of kids involved in band and sports. He was like a father to many, who cherish their memories of busy Summer Saturdays dealing with the beach traffic crowds and quiet Fall weeknights doing homework on the counter. He maintained relationships with several DQ kids long after he retired in 2007.
George enjoyed playing tennis and poker, as well as cheering on the Orioles, Ravens and Terps basketball teams on TV and in person. He also loved his yearly winter visits to FL and many fabulous trips with friends during his retirement. He was a trustee of the Easton Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. #1622, where he also served as a scholarship committee member. He loved reading and spending time with his family.
After tragically losing Julie to ovarian cancer in 2001, George married Jo Anna Meyers in February of 2004. Jo Anna sadly passed away after a short battle with the same disease in 2021. He then found a new home within the Londonderry retirement community where he enjoyed being witty with an exceptional group of new and old friends. Late in 2024, he moved to The Dixon House, charming “his girls” as they provided loving care in the final days of his life.
George is survived by his beloved daughters, Tracie Thomas, Amy Gross (Bill) and Laura Coutsolioutsos (Terry); siblings Carolyn Parks, Patricia Fortson, Gretchen Seymour, and Richard Thomas; grandchildren Tom Gross, Claire Gross, Max Coutsolioutsos, Hannah Coutsolioutsos, Dylan Lahman (Nikki), Lauren Lahman and Evan Lahman; and great grandchildren Grant and Riley Lahman. His family will miss him dearly, especially during their annual Thomas Family beach week, where the Saturday night crab cakes will be cooked in his honor.
His parents and brother Carlton Thomas preceded him in death.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date through the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home in Easton. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in memory of George to Habitat for Humanity Choptank (where George was a member of the Carpenter’s Club, which supported every house built), Talbot Hospice, or The Dixon House.
