Dan Thomas passed away on Wednesday, the 21st day of February 2024 at his family farm and ranch. He was 51 years old. He leaves behind his loving wife, partner and best friend, Carrie Lee Thomas and his two beautiful daughters and the greatest joys of his life, Ashlee Elizabeth and Alaina Victoria Thomas, all of Bell.

Dan Christopher Thomas was the fourth of four sons born to the late Ray E. Thomas, Sr. and Joanna Dew Thomas of Bell, Florida. He joined his three older brothers, Ray Earl, John Rance and Bruce. Being the baby of the family, Dan fully embraced all that role afforded. Often referred to as his Daddy's favorite, truth be told, his three older brothers doted on him more so than their Dad. As brothers, they were raised to always stand together and become one another's keeper. Their allegiance to one another is more than blood, it's a tie that could never be broken.

As a 3rd generation farmer and rancher, Dan quickly grew to love the way of life he was blessed with and worked day in and day out. Days were long and hot, but he embraced the grind and learned to navigate the world of hay, cattle, watermelons, peanuts and grass seed. For Thomas's, farming and ranching is not only a rite of passage, but also a life woven in good days, bad days, success, failure and heritage.

Dan and Carrie fell in love and were married in March of 2002. Their journey together forged a union that was unbreakable and secure, solid and forever. Carrie undoubtedly was the eternal love of his life. Together with God they created their daughters and Dan rapidly became "The World's Best Girl Dad" and they redefined Dan as we knew him. Ashlee and Alaina were his world and in his eyes they were the most amazing creations God ever made. They were more than his girls, they were his greatest treasure. His love and adoration of them was vast as well as his delight in enjoying life's adventure with them and their Mom. He was certainly the quintessential "Fun Dad."

Dan accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized when he was 13 years old. He was a member of Priscilla Baptist Church. And his faith and love in God ran deep. He was a graduate of Branford High School and Lake City Community College. He was an avid sports Dad, a major "cheerleader" (if you will) and truly loved life. He enjoyed his nephews and nieces more than anyone and the relationship he had with each one was unique and special. If they missed his birthday and neglected to wish him a happy one, he, in turn would bestow the same wishes their way with his Uncle Dan smirk. If you knew Dan, you undoubtedly have a Dan story. If he was your friend, you had a friend for life.

Dan was a member of the Florida Cattleman's Association and Farm Bureau. He served as a Board Member for the Gilchrist County Farm Bureau as well as serving 4 years on the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Dan was a Director for the National Watermelon Association for 25 years and placed on the Executive Committee at the National level. He was recently awarded an honorary membership into the Bell FFA Alumni Association for his unsurpassed dedication and support of FFA. Dan was the President of Diamond 99, Inc. which he ran alongside his three brothers as well as their fifth-generation family farm, L.R. Thomas, Inc. Together with Carrie, he ran, owned and was President of Diamond 99 Watermelon Sales, Inc.

Dan is survived by his wife of 22 years, Carrie and his two daughters Ashlee and Alaina. His mother, Joanna and his three brothers, Ray Earl (Alison), John Rance (Valerie) and Bruce (Julie) all of Gilchrist County. His favorite nephews and nieces Bruce Jr. (Ginger), Raychel, Branden Rance (Alyssa), Selena (Jose), Jaycee, Jared, Bryn, Savana and Rett. As well as his greats, Westen, Marianna and Bruce the third.

Please keep the family in your prayers and sign the online guestbook.