Geren Roy Thomas, 85, of Daytona Beach, Florida, passed away Friday, June 28 with his family by his side. He was born December 23, 1938, in Rochester, New York, the son of the late John & Lucinda Thomas. Geren proudly served six years in the US Navy, Pacific Fleet, early in the Vietnam War.

Prior to joining the Navy, Geren worked for NCR Corporation. After his Navy years he returned to NCR and retired after 40 plus years. Over the course of his 85 years, between the Navy and corporate life, he relocated his family more than 25 times, from the east coast to the west, from the north to the south and back again. Some of these moves were even voluntary!

Geren learned the love of woodworking from his father. He could build or repair anything. He loved his family more than anything else. He also loved to sail and to travel. He introduced two of his grandsons to sailing and was involved in the youth sailing community in the Daytona Beach area for several years. Once retired he focused on seeing the US, taking the slow roads, typically via his beloved Airstream travel trailer. He made lifelong friends across the country, from Canada to Mexico.

He was constantly helping and taking care of others. He made sure his children had what they needed, including blueberry pie, and was a great listener and problem solver. He was the go-to guy if you needed a calming influence. His extended family nicknamed him Saint Thomas, as he was always willing to listen, give assistance and never judged anyone.

Geren is survived by his wife of 35 years, Blanche; daughter, Cheryl (Steve), and sons, Gary (Jodi), Greg, and Chris (Amanda) Brown; grandchildren, Caden Brown, Jackson Brown, Geren (Abby) Thomas, and Gloriana (Nicholas) Schofer; and great-grandchildren, Nora & Margot Schofer. He is also survived by numerous family and friends. He will be missed tremendously by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by wife, June Fearing Thomas, his parents, and his sisters, Gloria Jacobs & June Woodbridge.

Memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity or the Parkinson Association or a charity of your choice.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.