SPANISH FORT, Ala. — “Thank you, Lord, for loving us.”

Joe Thomas didn’t have to struggle to work those six little words into every invocation he delivered during his almost 18 years on the City Council. They flowed as naturally as his wisdom and his wit until his passing Sunday at the age of 89.

It’s fitting, then, that none asked to reflect on the contributions of the man who embodied the term “public servant” could do so without smiling.

“He lived by those words. It’s how he lived his life, took care of his family and loved the city of Spanish Fort,” said Mayor Joe Bonner of the charter councilman whose passing leaves a void much larger than the seat his successor will be asked to fill.

The longtime District 3 representative, known affectionately to most as Mr. Joe, might not have dominated discussions of city business during his tenure, but that’s only because his input was usually so succinct.

“He didn’t talk a lot, but when he did, everybody listened,” Bonner said. “He never checked his religious values at the door, never pressed his values on others, took a common-sense approach to every decision he ever made and prided himself on learning as much about both sides of a decision before he voted on it.”

District 4 Councilman Tom Sawyer said from his first day on the council in 2004, Thomas’ presence and influence were apparent — and respected.

“There was an opinion by some folks that Mr. Joe was too old to serve effectively as a member of our City Council, and that opinion was totally wrong. He was very wise, understanding and compassionate but not afraid to make those tough decisions that were in the best interests of our community,” said Sawyer calling Thomas a caring man who “genuinely loved our city and served us faithfully and honorably.”

See the full story in the Feb. 23 edition of The Bulletin.