Pastor Fred Thomas | Facebook/Mary Thomas Walker
Pastor Fred Thomas, a beloved comedian and cast member of the popular Rickey Smiley Morning Show, known for his Church in 60 Seconds segment, has died following a two-week battle with the new coronavirus, his family announced.
Thomas, who founded the Word of Faith Church in McKinney, Texas, joined the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, led by fellow Christian comedian Rickey Smiley, in January.
His son, Au mon Wyatt, announced his death on his Facebook page on Dec. 23.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of my father Pastor Fred Thomas. This was not our will or desire, but it is the will of God in which we accept. Please pray for my family and I as we go through this trying time of loss. All will be well and we will make it through this as he would have wanted us to,” he wrote.
Dec 23, 2020
Fromer Greenville Mayor Tom Oliver, left, and Council member Fred Thomas joined in a 2018 discussion over how to address concerns over racism, as part of a workshop co-sponsored by the Greenville Corporation for Cultural Diversity File photo
Pastor Fred Thomas, who served on the Greenville City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission, has died after falling ill to COVID-19.
Family members announced Thomasâ passing Wednesday morning on his Facebook page, where his battle with the virus had been chronicled.
âThis was not our will or desire, but it is the will of God in which we accept,â said the statement issued by Thomasâ son Auâmon Wyatt and wife Desiree Wyatt Thomas. âPlease pray for my family and I as we go through this trying time of loss. All will be well and we will make it through this as he would have wanted us to.â
“When I got the news about Mike, it just stunned my heart,” said longtime friend Vanessa Vaughter.
As choir director of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Carrollton, Vaughter says Link touches lives through music and ministry.
She says Link’s health declined quickly. He was admitted to the hospital over the weekend and is now on a ventilator, she said.
Vaughter says Link is taking small steps toward recovery.
“I really, really want you [Link] to fight for this and I expect a hug,” she said.
Another prominent McKinney figure showed small signs of improvement.
“I just want him to know how much I love him and I miss him, and I really need him, Desiree Thomas said. I need him to come back and fill these shoes and his role in our family.
McKinney pastor and comedian dies of COVID-19 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of my father Pastor Fred Thomas, his son wrote in a Facebook post. Author: Elizabeth Wiley Updated: 11:28 AM CST December 23, 2020
Updated at 11:29 a.m. with additional details about Paster Fred Thomas.
The family of a McKinney pastor and Christian comedian confirmed Wednesday that he had died of COVID-19.
Fred Thomas learned he had contracted COVID-19 in early December and was hospitalized Dec. 10.
Almost exactly two weeks later, he died.
His son posted a statement on Thomas Facebook page, that read in part: It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of my father Pastor Fred Thomas. This was not our will or desire, but it is the will of God in which we accept. Please pray for my family and I as we go through this trying time of loss. All will be well and we will make it through this as he would have wanted us to.
The light of our life : McKinney pastor and Christian comedian hospitalized with COVID-19
On Dec. 9, shortly after learning he had COVID-19, Pastor Fred Thomas taped an interview with talk show host Rickey Smiley. He was hospitalized the next day. Author: Rebecca Lopez Updated: 10:50 AM CST December 23, 2020
Editor s Note: Pastor Fred Thomas died from his battle with COVID-19,
. Arrangements have not yet been announced.
The family of a McKinney pastor and Christian comedian are praying for his recovery, as he remains hospitalized with COVID-19.
Pastor Fred Thomas is used to making people laugh in their darkest times. He sees himself as a beacon of light, always there with encouraging words to lighten the mood for anyone going through things, said son Au mon Wyatt.