Ricky Allen Thomason

June 28, 1960 - July 9, 2020

Ricky Allen Thomason passed this life on July 9th, 2020. Ultimately, after years of struggle, his heart finally gave way. But, to suggest that his life suddenly ceased resulting from this single incident neglects so much. It’s no secret - my father was a narcotic addict. Some may argue that this addiction did not define him. The sad reality is that narcotics shaped and formed his decisions for at least his final 25 years. Yet, his life was not wasted. To the children of narcotic addicts who may be reading this, I write this today as a graduate with Highest Honors from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and I hold my doctorate from Johns Hopkins University. I say this not to tell you how wonderful I am; I’m not, but to highlight that many of the traits and behaviors that led to these degrees, I learned from my dad. My father was a hard-working, resilient man. And, on the unfortunately rare occasion, when I could set the addiction aside and see his heart, he was a man of deep love, compassion, and empathy. Children, don’t assume that your parent’s addiction means they don’t love you. Don’t assume their addiction means they don’t care. It’s not your fault; the addiction has nothing to do with you. They love you. They care for you. They’re proud of you. Have grace; have mercy; Forgive, Forgive, and Forgive again. To the narcotic addict, I see you. And, while I don’t share your specific struggle, I have my own, and they create just as much turmoil. You are not hopeless. God loves you just as he loves my father. In the story of the prodigal son, Luke reminds us that it is the wayward son with his repentant heart and spirit of humility who is allowed to enter the feast. But, for the son who begrudges, the story ends with him on the outside looking in; we don’t know if he enters the Father’s home. Jesus loves you; He sees past this demon to your heart. He’s running to you, just as the father ran to the prodigal. Have faith and humility, and, in time, the Father will break this demon from you, and you will be resurrected to join him in the same manner as Jesus. As Ricky looks forward to his great resurrection with Jesus, he is survived by his son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren, Dr. and Mrs. Joshua and Ashley Thomason, Sam, Canaan, and a player to be named later, all of Norcross, GA. He is also survived by his father Hoyt Thomason, as well as his sister and brother-in-law, Rhonda and James Cordle, all of Dalton, GA. Lastly, he is survived by nieces and nephews who loved him dearly including Jennifer Sides, Dillon Fields, and Jamie Cordle, all of Dalton, GA, as well as Kelly Young of Chatsworth, GA. He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Ann Thomason. A graveside service, intended for the family, will be held at West Hill Cemetery on Sunday, July 12th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mr. Thomason‘s memory to Greater Atlanta Christian School in Norcross, GA. Arrangements have been entrusted to independently owned and operated Dalton Funeral Home, 620 S. Glenwood Ave. Dalton, GA 30721; 706-529-5371.