Millions of people across the world met Fred Thomas more than a year ago. The online comedian and pastor shot to internet stardom after his ode to Whataburger's "honey butter chicken biscuit" sandwich went viral. His smooth voice and hilarious riffs were an instant hit. The Facebook and Youtube posts were shared thousands of times and suddenly the McKinney pastor was thrust in the limelight, something he called an act of God.
"I've got the platform now and it's my mission to make people laugh, encourage them and find joy," Thomas said.
But earlier this year Thomas became the one who needed encouragment. The self-described junk food afficionado found himself at his lowest point in the hospital with a dangerous infection in both of his legs. Doctors say a combination of poor diet,excess weight and type two diabetis nearly cost him his legs and possibly his life.
"It was a wakeup call for me. God calls on us to treat our bodies well so we can carry out our assignments," Thomas said.
Thomas is now fighting for that slimmer and healthier body. He says he couldn't do it without his team of "angels" including his wife, children, doctor and nurses. Thomas now goes to Life Care Wound Center in Plano nearly five days a week for rehab and treatment.
"When I first left here I was in a walker now I'm on my own two feet," Thomas said.
He's also nearly 40 pounds lighter and spreading a new message to his legions of fans.
"If one person watches this and goes to that check up or puts down that donut then it will be worth it," Thomas said.
Thomas now preaches moderation and healthy living. He hopes his transformation will encourage others and he has songs to go along with it. His newest hit is a breakup ballad of sorts with another Texas junk food staple, Blue Bell. Lyrics like "I miss you 'Blue bell ice cream. I'm not going to lie, but I've got type two diabetes and I don't wan to die" mix Thomas' sense of humor and soul with his new campaign to live a healthier life.
"I have this platform and I'd be remiss if I didn't use it to help people heal from their pain," Thomas said.
As for the honey butter chicken biscuits that put him on the map, Pastor Fred says he still indulges but does so a lot less frequently than before.
"I have one maybe once a week usually on my way to church," Thomas said, "It gives me that little something extra to singe about."
His next goal is to keep growing his online audience and to keep dropping weight. He will continue working with his doctor to his best fighting and preaching weight.
"God wants me to be that man I was years ago with zeal. I used to be young with zeal and no wisdom. Now I have the wisdom and the zeal is coming back," Thomas said.
Another thing is for sure, Thomas has thousands of people cheering him on and lauging with him as he goes.