ATLANTA (April 30, 2010) – After 14 years of unyielding dedication and commitment to his constituents, State Sen. Don Thomas (R-Dalton) has announced his retirement and will not seek reelection. To commemorate his service, the Senate presented him with a privileged resolution, sponsored by Sen. Bill Hamrick (R-Carrolton), detailing his long and distinguished career.
“Throughout my time in the Senate, I have come to love and respect Sen. Thomas not only as a colleague but as a friend,” said Hamrick. “He’s been a healer to us all in a profession that is sometimes aimed at inflicting wounds. Although he will be succeeded in our chamber, he will never be replaced.”
“It has been a true honor and privilege to serve in the state Senate,” said Thomas. “I hope you will continue to pray for me as I will always pray for you and keep you in my heart.”
“Senator Thomas has been a wonderful example to us all of leading with integrity and a servant’s heart. He will be greatly missed in the State Senate and remembered not only for his many legislative efforts, but also for conducting himself as a sincere gentleman,” said Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle.
Sen. Thomas began his political career in 1972, when he was elected to the Whitfield County School Board. He was elected to the Senate in 1996. As chairmen of the Health and Human Services Committee, Thomas was instrumental in establishing Georgia’s public smoking ban, making cold medicine used in methamphetamine labs harder to purchase and expanding cervical cancer screening. He supported legislation requiring teenagers pass a driver’s education course and legislation to combat childhood obesity.
Known as a man of strong character and humble nature with a determination to protect the welfare of Georgians, Thomas passionately fought for legislation to close the loophole that does not require pickup truck drivers to wear a seatbelt. The bill received final passage in the last days of the 2010 Legislative Session.
Sen. Thomas still lives on the family farm where he was raised. He received his bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University, where he met his future wife, Emma Jean Brock. After graduation, Thomas went on to earn his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. In 1960 he went back home to begin his family practice with the Whitfield Medical Professional Associates in Dalton. Over fifty years later, Sen. Thomas still maintains the same practice today. He has been given the honorary title of Doctor of the Day, Emeritus because he will always be considered Doctor of the Day in the Senate.
Although Sen. Thomas has had much success both professionally and personally, he considers his crowning achievement to be the creation of his family. He and his wife, Emma Jean, are the proud parents of eight children, 19 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Throughout each legislative session, it is not uncommon to see his large family throughout the State Capitol showing their support for the man they love, admire, and respect.
His colleagues consider him to be a positive influence in the Georgia General Assembly and are all sad to see him leave his position as the senator from the 54th district. They consider Sen. Thomas to be a pillar of support for the mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being of all those he encounters. Although he will be missed, his colleagues wish him and his family well as he begins the next chapter of his life.
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Sen. Don Thomas serves as chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee. He represents the 54th Senate District, which includes Murray and Whitfield counties and portions of Catoosa and Gordon counties. He may be reached by phone at 404-656-6436 or by e-mail at don.thomas@senate.ga.gov.