Ernest D. Thomas

Ernest Durwood Thomas of Charleston, South Carolina, loving husband of Reece Humphreys, and father of Karen Bloomingburg, Beth Lewis, and Lauren Cole, died Sunday, April 28th, 2024, surrounded by his family. 

Ernest was born on February 10th, 1956, in Columbus, Georgia, to Grace Beaugrand. Ernest served honorably in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Charleston Southern University. Ernest went on to establish and run Eastern Medical Supply until he sold the company in 2008. Beginning in 2012, he served as controlled substance investigator at the Medical University of South Carolina, a position he was dedicated to up until his death. He was an active member of Sunrise Presbyterian Church, where he served enthusiastically in a leadership role for the family service and the Growing Faith program for elementary and middle school students.  One of his favorite activities was donning bunny ears for the annual Palm Sunday easter egg hunt.

Ernest loved to travel and try new restaurants. He loved being outdoors. But mostly he loved his family, and spoiling his grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his step-father, Raymond Beaugrand Sr., his brothers, Charles Thomas and Raymond Beaugrand Jr., and his sister, Cecelia Sanders. 

He is survived by his wife, Reece Humphreys; his daughters, Karen Bloomingburg (Jim), Beth Lewis (Rob), and Lauren Cole (Dustin); his grandchildren, Ian Cole, Benjamin Lewis, Addison Cole, Tobie Bloomingburg, Madeline Lewis, Everett Bloomingburg, and Prezlee Smith; his step-daughters, Hallie Smith (Paula), Mattie Smith (Wilson), and Jennifer Smith; his mother, Grace Beaugrand; his brothers, Steve Thomas (Gina), David Sanders (Romni), and Jimmy Shaw (Kathy); his sisters, Linda McDuffy and Dewania Sanders; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Ernest’s family would like to thank the staff of MUSC’s Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit for treating him with unwavering compassion, respect, and dignity during the final week of his life. 

Ernest’s family and friends are invited to attend his memorial service on Saturday, May 4th, at 1 P.M. at Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 3222 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, SC. 

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in his honor to the Heart and Vascular Center at the MUSC Foundation. Gifts may be made online at giving.musc.edu or checks may be made out to the MUSC Foundation and sent to 18 Bee Street, MSC 450, Charleston, SC 29425. Gifts may also be made to Sunrise Presbyterian Church. Donations can be processed online at oursunrise.org/give or checks may be made out to Sunrise Presbyterian Church and sent to 3222 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation – Mount Pleasant, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC  29464, 843-884-3833.