Keith Thomas was known for looking out for people, even if his advocacy meant putting others before himself.
A foot soldier in the Civil Rights Movement, he helped break racial barriers when he was among the second wave of African-American firefighters the city of Atlanta hired in the early 1960s.
“He was one of the pioneers and warriors. They were not afraid to test the waters,” said retired Atlanta fire captain Michael McWhorter, who joined the department in 1973, a decade after the city hired its first black firefighters. “They paved the way for those of us who got promotions in later years. He helped eradicate racism in the fire department.”
Thomas of Atlanta died Oct. 31 of natural causes at Grady Memorial Hospital at the age of 74. His funeral was Nov. 10 at Woods Memorial Baptist Church in College Park.
Born on Feb. 8, 1941, the Atlanta native grew up in what was then known as the Fourth Ward. He was the third of nine children.
Although times were tough and money was tight during his childhood, his large family remained close-knit, said his daughter Angela Beavers of Ellenwood.
While at David T. Howard High School, Thomas ran track and played football. He quit school in the 11th grade to join the Army in 1960. While in the military, he received a Good Conduct Medal and sharpshooter commendation.
Thomas returned to Atlanta in 1962, got his barber’s license and began his career as a barber and bus driver for the Atlanta Transit Company. He also participated in civil rights marches.
Pressured by protests, Atlanta hired the first group of black firefighters in 1963. Thomas joined the fire department with the second group hired the following year.
He was assigned to Station 16 at 1048 Simpson Road (now Joseph Boone Boulevard) on property once owned by Theodore “Tiger” Flowers, the first black middleweight boxing champion.
While the arrival of black firefighters was met with hostility from some white colleagues, residents of the black neighborhood hailed them as heroes.
Thomas and other black firefighters began volunteering at the elementary school across the street. They also hosted annual Thanksgiving and Christmas community dinners and donated toys to neighborhood children – outreach projects that continue today.
In the early years at work, the black firefighters endured slurs and were barred from driving fire trucks and denied opportunities for advancement.
Despite the challenges, Thomas inspired other firefighters with his strong work ethic and positive attitude, said retired Atlanta firefighter Harvey Peek, who arrived the Station 16 in 1966.
“Keith got along with everybody,” Peek said. “It didn’t matter if you were black or white. He would help and encourage you and show you the ropes on the job. He knew every side street and main drag in the city from southwest Atlanta to Buckhead.”
At Station 16 and as a member of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters, Thomas instilled discipline, professionalism and brotherhood and encouraged younger firefighters to persevere.
In 1974, Thomas, Peek and three other black firefighters filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging discrimination in hiring and promotions. The case was settled in 1979.
“Those of us who came later benefited from their work,” McWhorter said. “Keith worked at Fire Station 16 all of his career. He never reached a rank higher than sergeant and later got to drive a fire truck. But Keith loved what he did.”
After retiring in 1992, Thomas worked as a driver and OSHA fire safety officer at Clark Atlanta University.
With a keen sense of humor and infectious smile, Thomas never met a stranger, friends said. He also was known for his love of world travel and his annual barbecues.
“He would sacrifice his lifestyle to help others,” his daughter said. “But he didn’t come home boasting about it. He was always quiet and humble about things. I will miss his smile.”
In addition to his daughter Angela, Thomas is survived by his stepdaughters Sheila Witherspoon, Cynthia Whitley and Jewel Waites; sisters Cobbie Taylor, Mary Davis, Barbara Rowell and Lane Thomas; brother Charlie Thomas and four grandchildren.
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