Pastor Thomas is a native of Laurel, Mississippi. He came to Grace Baptist Church as Elder in 1999 and was called as Senior Pastor in 2001. He began his preaching ministry in 1981, and has served as pastor of churches in Mississippi for over 30 years now. He earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Clarke Memorial College in 1976 followed by a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1978. Upon graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, he continued his education at New Orleans Baptist Seminary and earned a Master of Religious Education in 1981. To better equip himself to pastor, he continued his studies for a Master of Divinity at the Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. His pastorate ministry began as an Associate Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Laurel Mississippi from 1981 to 1983 and Briarwood Drive Baptist Church in Jackson Mississippi from 1983 to 1988. He was then called as Senior Pastor to Halbert Heights Baptist Church in Brookhaven Mississippi from 1988 to 1993, followed by Graceway Baptist Church in Jackson Mississippi from 1993-1998. Pastor Thomas married Lawanda Wells Winn, of Laurel, in August of 1978 and they have three daughters and a son. Bethany who is married to Cody Wallace, Bridgette who is married to Chris Kimbrell, Allyson who is married to Terry Leach, and Dawson. They also have eleven grandchildren.