Griffith Gipson Thomas, 87, of La Plata, MD, died June 1, 2009, at Civista Medical Center, La Plata, MD.

Mr. Thomas was one of the first Lance Salesmen in Southern Maryland. He was a longtime member of the Lions Club and the Methodist Men's Club (barbecue and Charles County Fair). He was a longtime member of La Plata United Methodist Church and helped rebuild the church after the tornado. He was an avid train collector and coin collector and was a jack of all trades.

Born January 30, 1922, in Cumberland, MD, he was the son of the late Griffith Thomas and the late Annie Idella Niner.

Predeceased by his parents; brothers, Robert Thomas and James Thomas; sister, Margaret DeHaven.

Survived by his sons, Allen C. and his wife Patsy Thomas of Charlotte Hall, MD; Wilbur R. and his wife Darlene Thomas of Loudon, TX; daughters, Ann and her husband David Whitman of La Plata, MD; Janet E. and her husband David Clark of Ellicott City, MD; Joyce L. and her husband John Radtke of Hughesville, MD. Also survived by 19 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 11, 2009, 2-4PM and 6-8PM at Raymond Funeral Chapel, La Plata, MD.

Funeral Service will be Friday, June 12, 2009, 11AM at La Plata United Methodist Church, La Plata, MD.

Clergy will be Rev. Bruce Jones.

Interment will be at Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf, MD.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Murphy, David Whitman, Charles Lindsay, Kevin Saathoff, George Winstead and Brian Thomas.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Ed McKenzie and Norman Saunders.

Memorial contributions may be made to La Plata United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 2824, La Plata, MD 20646.

Arrangements provided by Raymond Funeral Service.