Brother Press Thomas was born November 16, 1901 in a log house on Bills Creek at Punkin Center, (Dizney)in Harlan County Kentucky. He was one of 10 children born to Samuel (Sam) Thomas and Millie Presley Thomas. His mother, having been born in Hawkins County Tennesee, was but a mere child when her family crossed the frozen Clinch River during the winter of 1881, making their way into Harlan County Kentucky. His father, Samuel Thomas,a mountain farmer, and, having been born in Harlan County Kentucky, married his mother Millie Presley in 1894. Brother Press Thomas's father Samuel was a charter member of the Locust Grove Missionary Baptist Church. The Church had been, by the leadership of the Holy Spirit, established in 1885 by a circuit riding Baptist minister, William H. Shoemaker, who himself at that time, lived at the head of Yokums Creek. Brother Press Thomas, at the age of 23, married Margaret Ball. To this union, which spanned over 60 years before he departed this life, were born seven children, Oscar,Mary, Howard, Irene, Grace,Kathleen and Burley. Brother Press Thomas was saved at an early age during a Revival at the Locust Grove church, and served this church faithfully in many capacities throghout the years. He served many years as the Superintendant of the Sunday School. After a while Brother Thomas felt the call to preach the Word,and was ordained by the Red Bud Missionary Baptist Church in 1968 upon accepting the call to Pastor there. After serving there two years, brother Thomas accepted the call to Pastor his home church, Locust Grove, in 1970. He took this position after the departure of one of his dearest friends who had served several years there, Brother Hurla Phillips. Under the pastorate of Brother Thomas, the Locust Grove Church saw the continuance of the growth and solid old style preaching that had been present with Bro. Phillips. Many were Baptized into the fellowship of the church and matured under the wise and humble leadership that Brother Thomas provided. It can be said of Brother Press Thomas that he was most assuredly a dedicated servant to our Lord. He was wise in the word, and of a very loving and humble nature. He was firm in his belief and strong in preaching the word, but at the same time, even the hardest of sinners valued him as a true friend. He was loved by all knew him. No stronger testimony could be said of him, other than the observance of his faithful sword, his old King James Bible,of whose pages were worn in the middle with deep furrows where his thumbs had spent hour upon hour turning the pages of the Word of God. Brother Thomas stepped down as Pastor of Locust Grove in 1979 after failing health caused him to do so. He stayed on as a member and continued to preach some as his health allowed plus assisting with many funerals. His knowledge and wisdom was sought on many occasions. In addition to his service for the Lord, Brother Press Thomas also labored as a coal miner for around 40 years at the Peabody, Black Mountain mines at Kenvir. He was a member of United Mine Workers local 4493 and was a member of the Yokum Creek Masonic Lodge F&AM at Evarts. Brother Press Thomas departed this earthly life on October 12, 1986 at the age of 84. His funeral of an overflowing crowd was conducted in the Locust Grove Missionary Baptist Church house where an entire seat was filled with his preaching brethern. Brother Gary Craig brought the message that day, not a dry eye was seen in the house. Brother Press Thomas had gained that long sought home, of which he had been so determined to reach. One of his favorite scriptures that he so often quoted is found in Hebrews chapter 11 and verse 10, speaking of Abraham it says, "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. I think it is not a bit too forward to say that the world would be a better place today, if we had more Press Thomas's and others of his caliber in it.
Brother Pres And Sister Margaret Are Both Gone Home To Be With The Lord Now..If You Click On The Link To The Left You Can Hear Press Preach A Little And Margaret Sing..

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