Fred A. Thomas

Fred A. Thomas, 74, passed away peacefully with his loving wife by his side on Sunday January 4, 2026. He was born on March 9, 1951 in Conway, South Carolina to the late Fred L. Thomas & Wynness Lupo Thomas. 

Fred attended Myrtle Beach High School and Carlisle Military School in Bamberg, South Carolina. While there, he excelled on the rifle team, earning many medals and awards for his expertise. He graduated in 1971 after earning the rank of Captain of ‘A’ Company.  Fred continued his time at Carlisle and became head bus driver. He was very proud of his alma mater. To this day, Fred kept in touch with many classmates- near and far.

Fred was a proud Myrtle Beach Native who from a young age, worked alongside his father carrying his father’s tool tray, for Thomas, Inc. Heating & Cooling- which was incorporated in 1979. Fred proudly took over the company and became owner and operator following his father’s retirement. Fred’s hard work and pride with the company was evident in their multiple “Best of the Beach” Awards. Thomas, Inc. also earned the Distinguished Dealer Ward, year after year.

Always one to stay busy, Fred served on the advisory council for the Career Center for HVAC, the Santee Cooper Advisory Council which represented the HVAC contractors. He served as past president of the Refrigeration Engineers Society, SC Heat Pump Association, was the past President of the Wilderness Plantation HOA. Fred promoted and helped improve the HVAC Contractors in Horry County. He was also a long-term member of the Myrtle Beach Rotary Club, volunteered with the Sunrise Rotary Club and enjoyed assisting with fundraisers in the chapter- his most memorable being delivering poinsettias to lift spirits, during the holiday season. Fred also took the time to teach students as an adjunct teacher at Horry- Georgetown Technical College where he walked them through their HVAC exam preparations. In 2015, Fred sold the heating & cooling business and started his new journey- retirement.

In his free time, Fred relished time spent making memories with his family and friends. He loved to go fishing, golfing, woodworking and most of all he loved the outdoors and working on his yard- cutting grass, bird watching and tending to the plants and animals. Above all else, Fred loved his family with his whole heart. He will forever be remembered for the amazing husband, father, papa bear, brother, uncle and friend he truly was. He will be deeply missed. 

Fred was the beloved husband of over 36 years to Mrs. Charlotte E. Thomas of Murrells Inlet. They met in High School and were friends until a chance meeting in 1990 began their love story. He was the father of four daughters, Amy Thomas Price and her husband, David, Sarah Thomas Hughes, Melissa Thomas & Billie Jean Thomas; Fred was Papa Bear to six grandchildren, Christian Price, Ryan Price, C.J Haverty, Anna Marie Haverty, Maddox Hughes & Skylar Hughes. Fred is also survived by his brother, Irwin Thomas; several nieces and nephews; his dear friends, Benny Waldrop, Alex Abbitt, Donald Sprouse, the late Steve Robertson and the late Bill Dickey

A Celebration of Fred's life will be held on Saturday January 17, 2026 at 11am at Burroughs Funeral Home, 3558 Old Kings Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. The family will gather to greet friends from 10am until the time of service.  

At the request of the family, please consider memorial contributions in lieu of flowers. Donations in Fred’s name may be made to the Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospitals, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family wishes to acknowledge, with heartfelt appreciation, the kind words, prayers, and acts of kindness shown to them during this difficult time. Thank you all.

To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guest book, visit www.burroughsfh.com.

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Service (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.