Carl A Thomas

Carl Alexander Thomas was born on March 8, 1948, to the late Augusta Thomas and Alexander W. Johnson. Affectionately known as Butch, Butchie or GTO, Carl was educated in the Chester-Upland School District. During his rearing, Carl was inseparable from his father who sparked his interests in athletics and automobiles. Carl was a standout track and football athlete at Frederick Douglas Junior High School. Carl became so engrossed and intrigued by cars that he learned how to build them from the ground up. He became a trained mechanic, taking his skills to Baltimore, MD before settling in his hometown of Chester, PA. There is an urban legend stating that Carl once hurdled a four-door sedan to the amazement of some that won and lost money wagering on that feat. Butch learned his lessons well, becoming one of the most prolific mechanics in this city. GTO could diagnose specific engine malfunctions by putting his ear on the hood of a vehicle ‘WHILE’ it was being driven! Butch NEVER said no to fixing an engine, even when it costed him a middle finger. 

The oldest of 9 siblings, Butchie assumed the role of protector as he became the quintessential “big brother.” and “big cousin” to scores of relatives between, Baltimore, MD, Millville, NJ and Chester, PA. Carl’s physical strength and dexterity suffered as he crossed over into his early 70’s. He could no longer hurdle a car in a single bound nor take on 10 of “Baltimore’s finest” police officers. Butchie settled into a more reserved role as Carl the father and grandfather. He took on the compassionate nature of his own father by sitting in his room watching “cowboy movies.” If not that, Carl was building deeper relationships with his family and friends; particularly his daughters and grandchildren.  

 Having found grace with God and surviving COVID, a stroke, dialysis, a kidney transplant, and the loss of multiple family members, a still stubborn but gentler Butchie became more faithful in prayer and meditation to his heavenly Father. He NEVER stopped being a “big brother” with a giant heart. He NEVER stopped consulting others about cars. In God’s providence Carl was called back home where the redeemed are rewarded with rest on August 22nd, 2024.  

Carl was preceded in death by his mother Augusta Thomas, his father Alexander W. Johnson, his sisters Audrienne Johnson, Edmonia (Sug) Johnson, Patricia Carter, brothers; Alexander W. Johnson Jr. and Vincent Thomas. He leaves to cherish his memory, one sister, Diane Pender-Holmes (Dean), and two brothers, Talbert Spence (Carolyn), and Rev. Wayne Gibbs (Tonya), two daughters, Carla D. Johnson, and Minimah Billings, and two grandchildren Derrin C. Johnson and Asiyah S. Driggins and a multitude of family and friends.  

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