David R. Thomas III, M.D.

Augusta, GA - David Romulus Thomas lll, MD, 83, passed away on June 9, 2024.

David was born in Augusta, Georgia on April 21, 1941 to David Romulus Thomas Jr MD and Adelaide Croft Thomas. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. He graduated from Academy of Richmond County and Virginia Military Institute and received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. He was Captain of the tennis teams in high school and in college. At graduation from VMI he became a member of the Beta Commission of Kappa Alpha. The VMI code of conduct was “Never put personal gain over personal honor” which was exhibited in the way he led his life. David served as an Army Flight Surgeon in Viet Nam receiving the Air Medal, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. This goes along with his avid interest in military history, especially World War II, and aviation.

David practiced pulmonary medicine for 31 years at University Hospital. He was beloved and respected not only by his patients but office and hospital staff as well. He served on numerous committees including the Executive Committee, was Chief of the Pulmonary Division, and Chief of the Respiratory Therapy and was a former Chief of the Medical Staff. David was a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians, members of the American Thoracic Society, Georgia Medical Association and Richmond County Medical Society. He served on the Board of the Clinton Foundation.

David enjoyed country music and golf, with golf being a passion of his, that was enjoyed by his family. He was a member of the Augusta Country Club where he served on the Board of Governors and was Chairman of the Greens Committee. He was also a member of the Augusta Golf Association and A6A which was a group of very competitive men with a handicap less than six.   As his interest in golf grew, he became a member of Wade Hampton Golf Club in Cashiers, North Carolina. David was an avid competitor participating in many tournaments and playing well.   In retirement his time was divided between Augusta and Cashiers, North Carolina playing golf, bridge and enjoying many friendships.

The family would like to give special thanks to Ana Hagan, Erin Howard, Allison Craven and Sara Plunkett his nurses, also Carla McKie and Ashley Avera his CNAs, and to Katie Munns his Occupational Therapist at Brandon Wilde. We would like to express sincere gratitude to Charlotte Drew for her support over 30 years of his practicing medicine and her continued friendship.

David was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Randell Croft Thomas. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rebecca Rhodes Thomas, his sons David Romulus Thomas IV (Julie), Atlanta, Robert William Thomas (Sabrina), Matthews, Georgia and his 4 grandchildren Andrew, Sadie, Will and Charles.

The memorial service will be at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 605 Reynolds Street, Augusta, GA. 30901, June 14, 2024 at 11o’clock in the morning.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that charitable contributions be made to VMI Foundation, 304 Letcher Ave. Lexington, VA. 24450, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 605 Reynolds Street, Augusta, Ga. 30901, Highlands Land Trust, P.O. Box 1703, Highlands NC 28741 or CSRA Parkinson Support Group, 607 Ronald Reagan Dr. #31, Evans, GA. 30809.