Tonight has been very difficult, for I lost, we lost a very dear friend in Fred
Thomas. For the last few years Fred had been dealing with several complications
resulting in some surgery he had on his legs. From the time of his surgery Fred
has been in a steady decline. Tom Fansher and I have had the opportunity to
have spent some great times traveling with Fred.
For me he was much more than just a friend. Fred was my mentor, he was like a
father to me in many regards, we often spoke several times a week on the phone.
Fred always had an answer or a solution to every discussion we had. We often
shared a room together at car shows. Fred loved my daughters Brandi and
Brittani, he often would send them gifts and triumph Shirts. I was a graduate
student of the FT school of powder coating.
I remember one of te first times ever talking to Fred I was having trouble
getting my TR3 to run, I called Fred and over the phone he walked me thru the
troubleshooting required to get the car to run. For neary two hours over the
phone he talked me thru it. He always made time for others, whether it was for
information, parts or powder coating. Fred loved this hobby.
I will never forget the man who touch so many lives. I know he sure touched
mine and my girls. May peace be with Debbie as she remembers the Fred we all
knew and loved.
With great sorrow
Ronnie Babbitt
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