Dr. John Thomas, a longtime Lubbock surgeon and founder of Operation HOPE, is being remembered for his faith, philanthropy and community advocacy.

Thomas' family confirmed his passing in a statement on social media late Sunday after his death over the weekend came unexpectedly - but not before he made a lasting impact in Lubbock and around the world.

"On behalf of Keri, Andrew, and the Thomas family, we want to share the sudden loss of our beloved John Thomas," they wrote in a message shared on his Facebook page. "He has graduated to be (with) our Lord and Saviour. Please keep our family in your prayers as we navigate this journey. Details for the funeral arrangements will be coming soon."

Many from the Lubbock community and beyond shared remembrances of Thomas' impact, which showed thr

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