Obituary of Ted M. Thomas

Ted Molton Thomas was born in Jackson, AL on August 19, 1946. He returned to his heavenly home on September 20, 2026 after a short, courageous battle of cancer at the age of 80. A resident of Lugoff, South Carolina, Ted was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Camden. Ted married the love of his life, Peggy, in 1971 and shortly after they moved from Jackson, AL, where he was a band director at Grove Hill, AL and served as a volunteer firefighter, to Mississippi. His work as a band director took them to several areas of MS including, Hurley, McComb, Wesson, Monticello, and Hatley. 

Ted was a man of many talents and passions. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama and a master's degree from William Carey College. Throughout his more than 30 years as a band director, Ted did far more than teach music—he built a lasting community, cherishing deeply every student who walked into his rehearsal room and leaving behind a legacy of laughter, inspiration, and mutual affection. He shared not only his passion for music but an unwavering care for his students, who cared for him deeply in return. Ted also worked as a safety engineer for an off shore drilling rig for a decade. He was well known for his love of Alabama Crimson Tide football, camping, and model trains. He also used his talents to support Operation Christmas Child, creating wooden toys for shoeboxes. His hobbies reflected his love for education, nature, and supporting others. Ted's dedication to his faith was evident in his role as the Minister of Music in several churches and his assistance in directing church handbells at First Baptist Camden.

Ted was a devoted family man, survived by his wife Peggy Thomas; son Jerry Thomas (Heather); daughter, Anne Thomas; and granddaughters Lydia and Emily Thomas. His parents, Cecil and Nell Thomas, preceded him in death. Ted's enthusiasm to help others and his unwavering love for his family were the cornerstones of his life. His love of church and family was very important to him, and he was an amazing grandfather who showed amazing love to his grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, Camden, fellowship hall, located at 1201 Broad Street, Camden, South Carolina, 29020, on Thursday, 24 Sep 2026 at 10:00 am. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am in the church sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Samaritan's Purse at https://www.samaritanspurse.org