Robert Laurie "Chip" Thomas

Robert Laurie "Chip" Thomas, age 69, resident of Gallaway, Tennessee, entered eternal life Saturday, September 23, 2023 at his home.

He was born September 22, 1954, to his parents Ed and Jayne Thomas. Inheriting his grandmother’s musical genes, Chip became a drummer at an early age, playing in his first band, Merica, in 1970. Following Merica came the most cherished time in his life: playing the drums for Memphis’s own Southern Creed. With Southern Creed, later called Creed, he became a master of his talent and had the opportunity to tour with Ted Nugent and open for AC/DC, Molly Hatchett, Pat Travers, Cheap Trick, and Atlanta Rhythm Section. In his career, he also play with Drama with Pat and Suzanne Taylor; Suspicions with Mike Enright; Detail with Steve Ingle; Midnight Train with Karen Dillard Brown; and Creed Reunions on Beale St. off and on for decades. His heart beat to the strike of the sticks, and because of his talent and expertise, he mentored many up and coming musicians. A friend to all, he was beloved by the Memphis music community, and his absence is already felt.

He was also proud to be a 7th degree blackbelt and instructor under the late Kang Rhee.

He is survived by his daughter, Tonya Hay and her husband Donald; his sister, Katherine Rogers and her husband, Don; his brother, Ray Thomas and his wife, Kathy; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Frank Thomas.

A memorial service was held at 2 P.M. Friday, September 29, 2023, at Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland with Bro. Mike Hollaway, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Rossville, officiating. 

Please feel free to share an appropriate story or memory of your interaction with him at: peeblesfuneralhome.com on the condolences link.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.