Mr. Stacy A. Thomas died peacefully on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the age of 85.
Stacy is survived by his wife, Emma, his son, James (Eunice Vivar), and his granddaughters, Ava and Ella Thomas. Stacy is preceded in death by his father, John Kelly Thomas, his mother, Opal Kate Thomas, and many friends, colleagues, former students, and former players in the School District of Palm Beach County.
Stacy was born on August 4, 1939, in Athens, Tennessee. He spent his formative years in Cullman, Alabama. He graduated magna cum laude from Saint Bernard College in 1964 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. He married Emma Webb on July 2, 1965. After moving to Palm Beach County and eventually settling in the family home in Jupiter, Stacy taught social studies and coached football at multiple schools in the School District of Palm Beach County. Stacy earned a Master of Education degree from Florida Atlantic University in 1967, became an assistant principal, and found his passion in adult and community education. Over time, Stacy and Emma welcomed their son, James (“Jamie”), and grandchildren Ava and Ella. Later, he was fortunate enough to welcome his daughter-in-law, Eunice, and her daughters, Abbey and Lily, to the family. Stacy’s family, and particularly his grandchildren, remember the lessons he taught them about loving what you do, passionately pursuing education, and laughing often.
Stacy was an avid and voracious reader who consumed an incredible number of books every year. He was an accomplished poker player who competed in the World Series of Poker multiple times and played locally for decades. Stacy loved the Alabama Crimson Tide, and he and Jamie enjoyed rooting together for the Atlanta Braves for decades. He passionately engaged in education, sports, books, movies, music, politics, and world cultures until late in life, and loved discussing those things daily with family and friends.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled from 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, at Taylor and Modeen Funeral Home at 250 Center Street, Jupiter, FL 33458, with a reception to follow at Stacy and Emma’s home at 928 Marlin Circle, Jupiter, Florida 33458. All are welcome to come together and celebrate Stacy’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating in Stacy’s memory to the Stacy Thomas Adult Education Fund. Please make checks payable to: SDPBC-Jupiter High Adult Ed (in the Memo, please note the Stacy Thomas Scholarship). Checks may be mailed to Jupiter High School (500 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458), Attn: Adult Education, or brought to the Memorial Service.
Prayer Card Copy
Remember Me
Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow,
But remember me in every tomorrow.
Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles,
I’ve only gone to rest a little while.
Although my leaving causes pain and grief,
My going has eased my hurt,
And given me relief.
So dry your eyes and remember me,
Not as I am now, but as I used to be.
Because I will remember you all,
And look on with a smile,
Understand in your hearts,
I’ve only gone to rest a little while.
As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.
