By: Vareva Harris, Co-Editor | vareva@thewoodrufftimes.com
In a world where small acts of kindness are often overlooked, Mr. Fred Thomas has spent more than five decades making sure students in Spartanburg School District Four feel seen, valued, and loved. Today, both former and current students are flooding social media with heartfelt tributes, calling for the community to honor the man they call a “true blessing” and a “Community Hero.
”A familiar face at Woodruff High School and other schools across the district, Mr. Fred’s influence extends far beyond his job title. Through his kindness, consistency, and quiet wisdom, he has become a daily source of encouragement and joy for generations of students.
Mr. Fred began his career in the district in 1974, starting on the custodial team in the cafeteria at Woodruff Primary School. He later transitioned to the maintenance department before joining the custodial team at Woodruff High School, where he continues to serve faithfully. Now in his 70s, Mr. Fred says he plans to work a few more years and is especially excited about seeing the new high school completed.
When asked what he loves most about his work, he didn’t hesitate:
“I love the kids. It’s all about the kids. I love helping to put a smile on their faces.”
His wife, Mrs. Josephine Thomas shared that he also loves sports and does his best to attend as many of the students’ games as possible. “By the time they’re seniors, he’s gotten to know them pretty well,” she said.
“Fred also enjoys having summers off and spending his free time fishing. He speaks fondly of working with his supervisor, Ms. Jennifer Mills, and the entire custodial staff. “I enjoy working with Fred,” said Mills. “He is dependable and reliable. He takes pride in his work.”
Each December, Mr. Fred brings extra joy to the school by attaching jingle bells to his shoes and singing Christmas songs throughout the halls. “I put the bells on December 1 and wear them through the 15th,” he said. “The kids really enjoy it—I’ve been doing it for years.”
Students and alumni alike have taken to Facebook to express their love and appreciation.
“If you went to Woodruff High School, Mr. Fred was a big part of everybody’s day every single year,” wrote alumna Kimberly Trammell-who led the effort to show love and appreciation to Mr. Fred on social media. “He really made a lot of good things happen and turned around a lot of young people’s lives. I don’t want people to wait until we’re telling him goodbye before they FINALLY tell him how special he is.”
From handing out gum to memorizing student schedules just to offer a laugh between classes, Mr. Fred’s daily acts of kindness have left a lasting impact.
“He was the reason some of us didn’t show out as much,” joked Cece Jackson.
William Culbreath remembered how Mr. Fred gave him a pack of Juicy Fruit gum before graduation—his favorite. “He was truly a blessing in disguise,” he wrote. Others recalled the hot lemonade he brought on winter mornings or the bells jingling down the hallway during the holidays.
“Everytime around Christmas you’ll hear him 2 hallways down with them bells on his shoe. I love and miss him,” said Amiah Green.
“Mr. Fred is the realest from the city,” wrote Alex Billingsley, echoing the admiration shared across countless posts.
Montolla Switzer remembered, “He worked at the Primary School when I was there. If he saw me cutting up, he’d say, ‘Alright, Switzer.’ He’s always been the same—never changed up. One of a kind. Great man!
”Parents have joined in, too. “Chance loves Mr. Fred! He’s ready to make you smile, even early in the morning!” shared Kristen Dunagan.
Even his family has joined the chorus. “The kids just love my father at Woodruff High School,” wrote his son, Fredrick Thomas. “Thank y’all so much.”
Mr. Fred Thomas is the son of the late Ms. Marybell Thomas and Mr. Marion Brewton. A lifelong resident of Woodruff, he and his wife, Mrs. Josephine recently celebrated 45 years of marriage. “We hope for another 45,” she said with a smile. They have three children—Teresa, Anthony, and Fredrick—six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Mr. Fred is the third of eight siblings and a proud member of New Bethel Baptist Church, where he serves as an usher and helps with the kitchen ministry.
“Fred is a good Christian man,” said Mrs. Josephine. “A good husband, father, and grandfather. He is quiet and strong.”
In a time when schools face more challenges than ever, it is people like Mr. Fred Thomas who reminds us what true leadership and heart look like—not from behind a desk, but through everyday acts of kindness, presence, and love.
When asked what he would want former students to know, Mr. Fred said,
“Be nice and kind. I might not get to see many of them, but I want all of them to know that I love them. If they want to see me, I’ll be at the school a few more years. They can come by—I’d love to see them all. ”And with a chuckle, he added, “I still use a flip phone, so it can’t handle much calling. ”And with a chuckle, he added, “I still use a flip phone, so it can’t handle much calling.”
Whether it’s gum, laughter, a warm drink, or a cheerful jingle in the hallway, Mr. Fred has given pieces of himself to this community for generations—and now, the community is giving back some love to him.
Mr. Fred, you are a Woodruff legend. You are a Community Hero.
Have a memory of Mr. Fred you’d like to share? Email vareva@thewoodrufftimes.com or tag us with your social media posts #ThankYouMrFred.
Author: Vareva Harris
