Leslie L. “Shorty” Thomas was born October 4th, 1935. On February 6th, 2020 he answered “the knock on the door” to peacefully meet Jesus once again.

He is survived by his wife Janet L (Cole) Thomas of Helena, Al, son Jeff Thomas of Lancaster, Ohio, daughter Pamela Thomas Koehler of Baltimore, Ohio, son Steve Thomas (wife Kim) of Canal Winchester, Ohio, son Jeff Thomas of Birmingham, Al, daughter Lori Zucco of Homewood, Al, son James “Freddy” Thomas (wife Ronda) of Helena, Al, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. The times spent with the grandchildren who lived close, Daniel Zucco, Nick Zucco, Cole Thomas, Emma Kate Thomas, and Jameson Thomas meant the world to him.

He served in the Army during the Korean War.

He was a professional horse trainer, with training stables in Florida and Alabama, and he took the breed (Tennessee Walking Horses) to the west coast with a training stable in Washington State. Most summers were spent in Shelbyville, TN in preparation for the National Celebration.

After retiring from training he had a successful landscaping business.

But his biggest joys in life...building a nice fire in the fireplace for his beloved wife to come home to...and adoring his grand babies.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Colonel Robert L. Howard Veterans Home.

There will be a private celebration of life.

Rest now PawPaw (Poppy).

We love you!