Laymen's Department
Reverend Dexter Thomas, Sr. is a native of Cocoa, FL and son of the late Pastor John P. Thomas, Jr. and Sister Barbara Thomas. He is married to Vickie Thomas and has three children, Desmond, Dacia and Dexter Jr., as well as six grandchildren.
Upon completion of his graduation requirements from Cocoa High School a semester early, he immediately enlisted in the United States Army and began active duty during the second semester of his senior year in high school. While serving in the Army for ten years he would be afforded the opportunity to be stationed in Fort Hood, TX, Germany (Ansbach and Berlin}, Fort Drum and South Korea. He also participated in the Persian Gulf War.
He earned an Associate in Science in Computer Network Administration, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Master in Business Administration with a concentration in International Finances, all from Keiser University.
Upon coming back home he would begin working at Eastern Florida State College until retiring, fulfilling various roles in management as well as the administration level. He also served on the City of Cocoa Diamond Square Redevelopment Board.
He would also discover the true purpose and plan GOD had for his life. Entering the ministry at his home church, Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, under the watchful eye of his father the Pastor, he initially served as the youth minister and then CEO of the church human service agency. He would eventually become the Pastor of the church. During his pastorate, he would go on to be elected to the Presidency of the local Brotherhood of churches as well as serving in various offices in the regional church association.
Keeping his promise to his wife that when he would retire, they would move back to her hometown in Johnsonville, SC. They moved to the area in January of 2022.
Luke 9:23 - “And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”