Johnny Thomas was born on August 5, 1942 in Seeley, California to C.J. "Pat" Thomas and Ruby Thomas. The family moved to Shafter in 1948. Johnny attended elementary school in Shafter and graduated Shafter High School. It was at Shafter High where he met the love of his life, Carrie Rice. The couple raised two children, David Thomas and Patti Thomas- Greenwood. The family owned many businesses in Shafter including: Modern Market, Pat's Palace, Camper City, and Arrow Furniture; which was open in Shafter for over 65 years. Johnny was very active in the community. He served two terms on the Shafter City Council. He was also the President of the Kern Council of Governments. Johnny spent many hours coaching both boys baseball and girls softball. Besides helping with the family business, Johnny sold cars for many dealerships all over Kern County. After retiring from Richland a few years ago, Johnny's passion became his grandchildren. Going to football games and spending many hours swimming and hanging out with youngest and acclaimed best friend. Johnny passed away on September 27, 2017 with his family and loves ones by his side. He will be missed by so many but as my dad always said "I did it my way"! Johnny is preceded in death, by his parents C.J. "Pat" Thomas, Ruby Thomas- Floyd, his brother Jimmy Thomas, his grandson Joshua Felsinger, and his son-in-law Robert G. Greenwood. Johnny leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Carrie Thomas; his son David Thomas and wife Kathy; his daughter Patti Thomas- Greenwood; his grandchildren Austin Greenwood, Cory Thomas, C.J. Greenwood, Chance Greenwood, and Travis Felsinger. The family would like to thank all the caretakers at Memorial Hospital, Bakersfield Rehabilitation, and Mercy Downtown. Services will be held at Shafter Memorial Park on October 13, 2017 at 10:00AM.