THOMAS Frank Walden Thomas Jr., 72, former mayor of Washington for almost eight years, died Thursday, January 26, 2006, at his home on North Alexander Avenue. He was a native of Washington and a lifelong resident. His death marked the end of an unusual late-blooming political career characterized principally by his innovative efforts in economic development.

Scion of a prominent family, Thomas enjoyed a happy childhood involving associations which led to three main interests in his life. Besides his family, his abiding passions were said to be sports, Auburn University, and Washington-Wilkes.

As a lineman for the Washington Tigers high school team, Thomas was good enough to fuel his dream of playing football in college. After a year of prep school, he went to Auburn in the early 1950s.

After his years at Auburn, Thomas began his coaching career as an assistant high school football coach but gave up coaching to join his father in the Washington Loan and Banking Company in 1966. He succeeded his father as bank president.

Thomas’ first race for Mayor of Washington came in 1971, when he challenged but lost to firmly-entrenched Ed Pope.

Ironically, it was Pope himself who would later help Thomas become his successor. Recognizing Thomas’ leadership qualities, fiscal talents, and political savvy on the city council, Pope began in the 1990s to help prepare Thomas for his successful mayor’s race in November 1995.

Economic development efforts were a focus throughout Thomas’ tenure, but early in office he earned perhaps a more lasting distinction. When job openings occurred in City Hall, he made it clear that all applicants would be considered on merit only. As a result, several AfricanAmerican applicants were hired, integrating the city staff and canceling hints of racial discrimination.

Regrettably, potentially the most notable economic development effort during Thomas’ tenure came to nothing because of a political upset. In an unusually cooperative effort among the city, county, and other local entities, Thomas led the city’s role in developing a close relationship with R.K. Sehgal, then director of the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism.

Sehgal made multiple personal trips to Washington in the summer of 2001 and seemed determined to help locate a significant industry here. The prospect vanished when Governor Roy Barnes lost to Republican Sonny Perdue in the November general election.

Thomas’ vision was exemplified by an incident when he noticed that leaders of UGA and MCG would often have lunch together in a Washington restaurant. He inquired as to the circumstances and found that Washington was a convenient meeting place so as to minimize distance for both parties.

A research conference center was established here and several meetings were held in donated space in the former Persimmon Homes building.

The funeral service at Washington First United Methodist Church Saturday, January 28, was a “clear indication of the esteem and appreciation felt by almost everyone,” according to one observer. “Frank Thomas had a sincere desire to serve his native city well, and he did.”