VITAL STATISTICS Thomas

Norwood Henry (“Woody”) Thomas, Senior, age 89 of Seguin passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023. Norwood was born on July 14, 1933, in Gonzales County, Texas to Ophelia (Wright) and Julius Thomas, Senior. Norwood, his parents, and 11 brothers and sisters moved to Seguin when he was 8.

At the age of 16, Norwood, known by his nickname “Woody”, would begin a career in the scrap metal business that would span nearly half a century. Starting with employment at Schroeder Scrap Yard in Seguin, where he would swing a sledgehammer at scrap autos, he would develop an unsurpassed work ethic that would guide him in life. Following 3 years at Schroeder, and 11 years working for Kaiser Automotive cutting up scrap autos and farm equipment, Woody would find a home that allowed him to “do a job right” as he had been taught by his parents.

In 1970, “Woody” joined Horowitz Salvage, the same year that Commercial Metals Company (CMC) purchased the yard and included it with the SMI-Texas portion of the business. In time, he became Foreman running the outdoor day to day operations and was usually one for the first people customers dealt with when it came to buying or selling new steel products or used scrap metal materials. Known for his dedication to the philosophy of “eight hours of work for eight hours of pay”, “Woody” and Horowitz Salvage would always be linked together as a part of the SMI-Texas family.

Even before retirement, “Woody” focused on different projects at home. Whether it was working on cars, doing wood or metal work or gardening, he always enjoyed finding ways to stay engaged.

“Woody” was a member of Greater Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Seguin, Texas. In addition to his duties as a Deacon, he also participated in Sunday School teaching, as well as filling in wherever needed and taking on any responsibilities when asked. He was well known in the community and his church.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 19th from 4pm to 8pm at Crenshaw Funeral Home Chapel in Seguin. The funeral will be held Saturday, May 20th at 11:00 am at Greater Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Seguin. Interment will follow at the McKeller Cemetery in Gonzales. Crenshaw Funeral Home of Seguin is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include: his wife Gladys M. Thomas of Seguin and sons Norwood H. Thomas, Junior of Seguin, and Mark F. Thomas of San Antonio. He is also survived by his sisters: Evelyn Ford of San Antonio, and Ophelia James of Corpus Christi, and brother Sammie Thomas of San Antonio, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members, his Greater Pilgrim Rest church family, his Horowitz Salvage/ SMI-Texas work family, and lots of other friends many of whom fondly referred to him as “Woody” or “Uncle Bro (Bruh)”.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, or the charity of one’s choice.