Karl Hunter “Bucky” Thomas of St Simons Island passed away on August 29, 2026.

Bucky was born in Johnson City, TN, and hailed from Wheelwright, KY. A gifted athlete, he was recruited to Statesboro, GA, to play basketball and continue his education at Georgia Southern University. It was there that he met on a double blind date the love of his life, Rosalyn Applegate. They married in 1957 and after marrying they moved to Lexington, KY, to complete their education at the University of Kentucky. After graduating they moved back to Statesboro and eventually settled in Albany, GA. Then, upon retirement, they moved to St. Simons Island, GA.

Bucky was an avid golfer and a huge University of Kentucky Wildcats fan. He was also a member of The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.

Bucky is survived by his wife of 68 years, Rosalyn; two sons, Hunter (Carla) of Leesburg, GA, and Karl (Leslie) of St Simons Island, GA; three grandchildren, Jay of Grapevine TX; Joanna (Cayce) of Wellington FL; and Bradlee (Hunter) of Sylvester GA; five great-grandchildren, Noah, Samuel, Lyla Grace, Ace, and Kole; sister, Carolyn (Jim) Rhodes; three brothers-in-law, Jim (Diane), Richard (Rose), and Steve (Janice) Applegate; and sister-in-law, Mary Alice Applegate.

No services are planned. Those wishing to honor Bucky’s memory may make a memorial donation to Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525.

Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home and Oglethorpe Memorial Gardens are honored to assist the Thomas family.