Background
Thomas, Roger Nelson was born on September 5, 1946 in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Son of Dan Anderson and Margaret Elizabeth (Glaze) Thomas.
Thomas, Roger Nelson was born on September 5, 1946 in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Son of Dan Anderson and Margaret Elizabeth (Glaze) Thomas.
Bachelor in History, Jacksonville University, 1968. Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Jacksonville University, 1976. Master of Business Administration, University North Florida, 1980.
Lieutenant commissioned, United States Navy, 1966;
advanced through grades to Lieutenant commander, United States Navy
carrier and transport pilot, flight instructor, United States Navy, various locations, 1968-1973, 78-88;
vice president business development, Herlong Aviation Inc., Jacksonville, Florida, 1974-1976;
trust administrator, Florida National Bank, Jacksonville, 1976-1978;
office and credit manager, PYA Monarch Foods, Jacksonville, 1978;
pilot, first officer, United States Air Express/Piedmont Airlines, Jacksonville, 1988-1995;
safety officer, instructor, Jax Navy Flying Club. Adjunct instructor marketing Embry-Riddle Aero. U., 1983, 85; security advisor Guam International Airport, Agana, 1985-1988.
Substitute teacher Duval County Schools, Jacksonville, since 1988.
Rescue pilot Civil Air Patrol, Jacksonville, since 1963, lieutenant colonel, since 1970, department commander operations, safety, aerospace education officer. Lobbyist Jacksonville City Government, 1990-1993. Member Jacksonville Maritime Museum.
Member Camp Blauding Museum and History Associates, Inc. Member Naval Aviation Museum Pensacola (founding member), Naval Institute, Naval League, University North Florida Graduate Business Club, Florida Aviation History Society.
Married Nancy Rhyne, March 31, 1973. Children: Kevin Rhyne, Bonnie Lynn.