Thomas, George, Jr., 1916-2005
Biographical Statement
Dr. George Thomas Jr., a physician and civic leader in New Orleans, who served as Medical Director at Flint-Goodridge Hospital in New Orleans from 1957-1985. Flint-Goodridge Hospital was the only medical institution available to African American residents of Louisiana during the era of segregation.
Thomas was born in Fitzgerald, Georgia, on September 24, 1916, he interned at Reynolds Hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina from 1941-1942. He relocated to New Orleans after receiving a urology residency at Flint-Goodridge Hospital in 1946, following his service in the armed forces during World War II. He went on to serve as Medical Director from 1957-1985 and as Chief of urology services. Dr. Thomas was the founder of the Medical Associates Clinic, a multi-specialty clinic that served the medical needs of the New Orleans community from 1961-1984. He was commissioned as a founding member of the Louisiana Cancer and Lung Trust Fund Board, and served as Medical Adviser to the Orleans Parish Selective Service from 1957-1973. He also worked as physician for Xavier University in New Orleans, Gaudet Methodist High School, and the Lafon Nursing Home.
Dr. Thomas was founding vice-chairman of United Federal Savings and Loan and was active in a variety of social clubs and cultural activities. He served as a lay minister at Central Congregational United Church of Christ in New Orleans, as well as acting as chair of the Board of Trustees and Pastoral Search Committee of the church. He was a member of the church sanctuary choir, the Oceola Five and the B-Sharp Music Club, and played both piano and clarinet. He was also a supporter of the Boy Scouts, the YMCA and the Public Health Homeless Clinic. An alumnus of two historically black colleges – Talladega College and Howard University School of Medicine – Dr. Thomas’ papers also reflect his ongoing relationship with these institutions.
Dr. Thomas died August 10, 2002. His wife, Thelma Williams Thomas, passed away November 26, 2005.