Andrew Thomas, Major USMC (Ret) Jan 17, 1974 to Dec 16, 2021

Andy’s journey began at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola Florida on January 17 1974 to parents Thomas Macdonald and Mary Patricia Russell. Ellenville, New York was his home and he graduated from Ellenville High School, class of 1992. Andy next attended Clemson University in South Carolina where he majored in Construction Science and Engineering. A full time student and Captain of the Clemson Varsity Cheer squad, Andy found a way to earn certification as a Licensed General Contractor and started a successful home building business. Upon graduation he had a higher calling…

On August 15, 1997 Andy was commissioned a 2ndLt in the United States Marine Corps. Designated a Naval Aviator in 2000, Major Thomas reported to Camp Pendleton California for training in the AH-1W Cobra. Upon completion of training he reported to Marine Corps Air Station New River where he joined the Gunrunners of HML/A-269. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, 2004, and 2005. Holding the title of squadron Weapons and Tactics Instructor, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Valor), Air Medal - Individual Action, and Air Medal - Strike/Flight (15 awards). After serving as a flight instructor, and follow on tours in the AH-1W,  he retired from the Marine Corps Reserves in 2018. He will be remembered as a fearless attack pilot, a mentor to the Marines he served with, and the dearest of friends. 

Having already lived the lives of many men, Andy’s passion for flying along with his entrepreneurial spirit led him to his next phase of life. He continued supporting the war on terror as a contract pilot flying challenging missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and ultimately landed his dream job piloting helicopters for a private family. Paralleling his day job, Andy co-founded Pangolin Design Group with his lifelong high school friend. He was CEO and lead designer for the highly successful product design company. Always the engineer, Andy built his current home with hangar on a fly-in community. He served his community and volunteered countless hours assisting his neighbors, all of which he considered friends. 

Self admittedly, he was never complete until he met the love of his life Caroline (Walz). They married and together made a  beautiful family with the birth of their son Rex. He had now created his legacy. Andy was a dedicated husband and a proud, loving father. With so many things left to conquer, he was now able to say he had it all.

Andy passed after battling cancer on December 16th 2021 at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. 

He is survived by his loving wife, son, parents, step mother Joyce Macdonald, step father William Russell, Father-in-law Peter Walz, sister Kathleen Metzger, step sisters Dr Sybil Russell, MD and Sarah Brush, brothers-in-law John Walz and wife Raegan Sawyer, Robert Walz, George Walz and wife Louise Walz, sister-in-law Rebecca Boggs and husband Wayne Boggs, and his beloved nieces and nephews. A celebration of life ceremony will be held at 2pm on January 17, 2022 at 363 Canvasback Trail, Locust Grove GA 30248. Contributions can be made in Andy’s memory to the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation.