Master Sergeant Reginald Edward Thomas passed away on January 5,2022 in Tacoma, Washington. He was born October 8, 1936 to George and Margaret Thomas (preceded him in death).
At the age of 18, he joined the United States Air Force.
Master Sergeant (MSgt) Reginald Thomas served as an air crew member assigned to one of the prestigious E-3 Sentry Air crafts, better known as AWACS, the U.S. Air Force’s Airborne Warning and Control System. As part of that unique group of personnel assigned to fly on that aircraft, Master Sergeant Thomas achieved the rank of Master Sergeant, which also qualified him to have the distinction of wearing the Master Enlisted Aircrew Member Wings. The Master Enlisted Aircrew Member Wing is awarded at Basic, Senior, and Master levels. Unlike other occupational badges that are awarded upon completion of a technical school, the Master Enlisted Aircrew badge and/are wing requires its Airman to log at least 3000 hours of flying time or to serve over 144 continuous months in a paid status as an air crew member. MSgt Thomas exceeded those requirements. As an air crew member flying on the AWACS, this required an individual to be the epitome of excellence in their field.After retiring from the United States Air Force, Reginald worked 20 years and retired from the University of Washington as manager in communication.
MSgt Thomas was not only the epitome of excellence in his career, but as a husband, father and grandfather. He married his wife (Wanda) Oct. 25th, 1980 and enjoyed a life full of love, children and priceless experiences. They traveled to Hawaii every year for Christmas and extended this tradition all the way to his great grandkids. He loved sports and his family. MSgt Thomas was a member of Brooklake Church in Federal Way, Washington.
MSgt Thomas is survived by his wife of 41 years Wanda O. Thomas, daughters Lawanda Thomas Peake (Christopher), Katherine Tucker (Luther), and son Edward Thomas (Kathleen). He is preceded in death by his son Aaron D. Thomas.
Grandchildren Teesha Bailey, Terrell Bailey, Jillian Dawkins (Jovan), Kevin Thomas, Jhordyn Duell, Sierra Adamson, Edward Thomas Jr., Larissa Williams Thomas, and Aiden Peake.
Greatgrandchildren Eric Tucker, Alissa Williams, Jada Williams, Jarvis Williams, Jovan Dawkins Jr., and Kinsley Dawkins.
We appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers.
Visitation will be held Friday January 14, 2022 12pm-4pm