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The death of Britt Thomas, Brundidge city manager, on Monday brought sadness throughout the town where he lived and into the many places where he was also loved and appreciated.

“Britt Thomas loved Brundidge and the city is better because of him,” said Wiley Lott, Southeast Alabama Gas, director of economic development.

“Britt was a god friend, a gentleman and he loved Brundidge, just as I do as a hometown boy,” Lott sad. “Today, I’m thinking about Britt and what a loss Brundidge is suffering. And, at the same time, I’m thinking about the thousands of people Britt has helped along the way. Through them, his legacy will live on.”

As Walmart’s director of real estate, Lott worked closely with Thomas on the Walmart DC project in Brundidge.

“Britt was a tremendous help on that project and in making it a reality for Brundidge,” Lott said. “He was instrumental in making so many good things happen for Brundidge. Because of those many things and the many lives Britt impacted positively, Brundidge is a far better place.

Britt left behind a legacy of which his wife and daughters and his entire family can be very proud. He was a good friend. I will miss him. We all will miss, Britt.”

Thomas began working for the City of Brundidge in 1977 and, in his role as city clerk and later city manager, he made decisions that put the city on solid footing, said Jimmy Ramage who served as mayor during most of Thomas’ years as a community servant.

Ramage said when Thomas came to work for the City of Brundidge as a young man,  the expectations were high. And, he exceeded all expectations.

“Britt was very knowledgeable about city affairs and he was known and highly respected, not just in Brundidge, but throughout the state,” Ramage said. “Britt served, at different times,  as president of the City Clerks Association, the County Administrators Association and the City Managers Association. He also served on the board of Power South and as a committee leader.”

Ramage said, because of those relationships and his involvement with the different associations,  Thomas was able to accomplish things for the city that no one else could have done.

“Britt probably had more to do with Brundidge being able to maintain a manufacturing base than anyone,” Ramage said.  “Through his leadership, Brundidge was able to make the transition from textile manufacturing to food manufacturing. That made is possible for Brundidge to continue to prosper.”

Ramage said Thomas was not only an outstanding manager of city affairs, he was also a dedicated family man who put his wife, Julie, and daughters, Janie and Katie first. “And he was a good friend to me.”

Ramage said Thomas left Brundidge on sound financing footing and the leadership that he provided will be invaluable in the coming years.

“Britt’s leadership and his friendship will be missed by many,” Ramage said.

A memorial service will be held for Thomas at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, on the lawn of the Bass House on South Main Street in Brundidge. Visitation will follow the service.