Ernst Henry Thoms, age 88, of Anderson, SC, a loving husband and father, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Rainey Hospice House.

Born May 25, 1937, in Dayton, OH, he was the son of the late Ernst Joseph Thoms and Grete Göllner Thoms, both of Hannover, Germany. He was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Anne Thoms.

Ernie was a graduate of Fairmont High School Class of 1955 in Kettering, OH, where he played football, ran track, and he stayed in touch with his classmates over the years. He loved the outdoors and playing all sports, from camping and water skiing, basketball leagues, to going often to the World Senior Volleyball Championships in Utah. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and was a Mason with the Riverview Lodge in Dayton, OH. He was a faithful and active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church where he was chairperson of the Property Committee. Throughout his career he took college classes, working for NCR Corporation, until retiring with over 40 years of service. He enjoyed collecting breweriana and local historic artifacts for its social impact. As their boys grew up, he was Boy Scout Master and Westside High School Booster.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Jeanette B. Thoms; sons, Keith H. Thoms (Lisa) and Darrell E. Thoms (Lynda); brothers, Thomas G. Thoms (Paulette) and Rudolf A. Thoms (Carolyn); and grandchildren, Aubrianne, Amelia, and Ainsley.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 4:00-6:00 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11:30 am at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Chris Fischer officiating. The committal with military honors will follow at M.J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 209 Broad St., Anderson, SC 29621, or AIM, 1202 S Murray Ave, Anderson, SC 29624.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM