Codell "Blease" Thomas, son of the late Enoch and Roxie Thomas, was born on May 11, 1947, in Sumter County. He departed this life on Monday, March 3, 2025, in McLeod Regional Medical Center. He attended public schools in Darlington County.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Bettie Pringle and three brothers Enoch Thomas, Jr, Joseph Thomas, Edward Thomas, and Leonard Goodman. He was joined in holy matrimony to Elizabeth "Mary" Fortune on February 25, 1970, and they just celebrated 55 years of marriage. They lived in Washington, DC for majority of their marriage and relocated to Florence, SC in 2009.

Blease was a construction worker and carpenter by trade, skilled with his hands and dedicated to his craft, but the job he cherished most was caring for his beautiful wife, Mary, whom he loved and honored deeply. His love for music was undeniable—he played the guitar with heartfelt passion, had the voice of an angel, and played the guitar with the Daytoneers and the Fleming Sisters. He even recorded music with his nephew, Antiwan, on multiple occasions, leaving behind a musical legacy that family and friends will cherish forever. Blease was also a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, always rooting for his team with enthusiasm. This gentle giant was deeply loved by many and fiercely protective of those he held dear. His presence was a source of comfort; his words were few but always impactful, and his unwavering love for his family was his greatest gift.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories, his beloved wife, Elizabeth "Mary" Thomas of the home; five treasured god daughters, LaVanda (Derek) Martin of Columbia, SC, Jordan Gibson of Fairfax, VA, Jonetta and Jador Kelly of MD, and Elizabeth Parrott of Lynchburg, SC; six sisters, Elouise Fleming of Lynchburg, SC, Geneva Gibson of Effingham, SC, Johnnie Mae Richardson of Baltimore, Maryland, Roxie Pringle and Isabella Carroway of Florence, SC and Nell (Coressell) Smoot of Timmonsville, SC; three brothers-in-law, Isaac (Linda) Fortune of Liberty, NC, Calvin (Betty) Fortune of Lynchburg, SC and Paul Fortune of Timmonsville, SC; three sisters-in-law, Laura Thomas of Lamar, SC, Katherine (William) Bates and Virginia Ann Durant of Lynchburg, SC; a special friend Truman Joseph and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.