Charles Thomas (1931-2015)

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In Memory of Charles Thomas October 3, 1931 - January 26, 2015 Obituary Charles Augusta Thomas, 83, died January 26, 2015 at St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan. The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., Friday, January 30, 2015 at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan. A private family graveside service will be held at a later time. Charlie was born October 3, 1931 in Fostoria, Texas, the son of Frank and Fannie Thomas. He grew up with his sister, Blondell. He attended Splendora and Cleveland High School, where he won five gold medals at the Texas State High School Track Meets between 1948 and 1950. He loved fishing, hunting, swimming, and riding his horse through the woods while growing up. He also enjoyed camping with his fellow boy scouts. While attending the University of Texas, he never lost a 220 yard race in the state of Texas during his career. He competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials in 1952 after his sophomore season and finished 4th in the 220 yard trials; missing a place on the U.S. Olympic team by inches. He could not compete in the 1956 trials because he was considered a "professional" as a track coach. In 1952, he anchored the University of Texas World Record in the 440 yard sprint relay. In 1954 he ranked number one in the world in the 220 yard sprint. After graduating from the University of Texas with a certificate as an athletic trainer, Charlie was the head track coach at East Texas State University from 1956-1958; leading his teams to three straight Lone Star Conference Championships. While Coaching at East Texas State, he received his Master's Degree. In 1959 he was named head track coach at Texas A&M at the age of 28. Coach Thomas has seen his share of great athletes and some of the world's best have sharpened their skills under his direction. He has coached 8 world record holders, 3 Olympic Gold Medalists, 2 Olympic Silver Medalists, 9 Olympic Qualifiers, 22 NCAA Individual Champions, 7 Collegiate Record Holders, 105 All Americans, 124 SWC Individual Champions, 8 American Record Holders, teams also excelled winning SWC outdoor and indoor titles and NCAA Team Championship 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th places. Coach Thomas was inducted into the University of Texas Hall of Honor in 1981, Meet of Champions Hall of Fame in 1985, Border Olympics Hall of Fame in 1990 and The Texas A&M Hall of Fame in 1996. He joins D.X. Bible as the only two people to be honored by the Longhorn Hall of Honor and the Texas A&M Hall of Fame. After the track season in 1990, Coach Thomas retired and joined the Bryan Bass Club. Charlie had a passion and love for God, family, and everyone. For that we say, "Charlie…Sprint to Heaven!" Survivors include his wife, Cecil; daughter, Patricia McRoberts; son, Joel L. Thomas; granddaughter, Lori McRoberts; and a great grandson Marcus L. McRoberts, IV. Charlie continues to be loved by his family and friends. Close Send Flowers Share:      Guest Book View Complete Guest Book (2 entries) Share your memories or express your condolences by signing the Guest Book below or click here for entry suggestions.