Ricky's program

A Celebration of Life For Ricky Bernard Thomas Sr. Sunrise December 21, 1967 Sunset May 17, 2016

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’ friends.”

John 15: 12-13

Obituary Ricky Bernard Thomas was born on December 21, 1967, the 6th child to the union of John and Gertrude Thomas in Los Angeles, California. Lovingly nicknamed “Snoop” by family and friends, the lifelong Los Angeles resident, Ricky was called to his Heavenly Home on May 17, 2016 at 12:09 p.m. He was 48 years old.

Ricky accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Academy Cathedral Church in Inglewood, California, Ricky will be remembered for his love of life, great sense of humor and for his unwavering passion for his walk with his Heavenly Father and that he often wrote Christian Rap songs about the impact that Christ had on his life and of his great love for God. Ricky loved people and old school R&B music. He especially loved his family. It was not unusual for Ricky to visit a family member he had not seen in months or even years, spend time with them, hug them and tell them “I Love You” before leaving.

His children were his pride and joy. He loved them and they loved their Dad. He was preceded in death by his sisters Janice and Lisa and a host of other family members that he has reunited with in Heaven. He is survived by his fiancée Faye Wilson, Daughters Ricreasha and Rea, Son , Ricky Jr. and Grandson Royal George, Mother Gertrude Thomas, Father John E. Thomas, Sister Mary Jeannette Williams, and Brothers James, John and David Thomas. He is also survived by one Brother-In-Law, Ron Williams and Sister-InLaws, Leveda Thomas and Stephanie Thomas. Ricky, leaves a host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Nieces, Nephews and Friends, all of whom loved him dearly.

Matthew 18-20: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am among them.�

Order of Service James Thomas Sr.—Officiating

Prelude…………………………………………………...Encourage Yourself (recorded) Processional…………………………………………………………...Clergy and Family Prayer………………………………………………………………...Rev. Darryl Jones Scripture……………………………………………………………….Romans 8:38-39 Song…………………………………………………………………….Ineta Washington Acknowledgements……………………………………………………..Jeaninen Williams Obituary……………………………………………………………………...Lisa Bryant Video Tribute Remarks…………2 Minutes Please…………………………………….Tanny Roberts Lamont Falls, Marcus Sykes, Ron Williams Ricreasha Thomas, Ricky Thomas Jr. Song……………………………………………………………….Jesus (Shirley Caesar) Tribute to Our Brother………………..John Thomas, David Thomas, Mary Williams Eulogy…………………………………………………………………...James Thomas Sr. Recessional……………………………………………………..Praise Him In Advance Internment Rose Hills Memorial Park Whittier, California Program created by bem media group 310-754-9891

Words of Expression To My Baby Boy Those special memories of you will always bring a smile. If only I could have you back for just a little while, then we can sit and talk just like we used to do. You always meant so very much and always do too. The fact that you’re no longer here will always cause me pain. You’re forever in my heart until we meet again. Love Always, Mom.

To My Brother, I truly don’t know what to say Rick. This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to deal with but my comfort comes from knowing how much you truly loved the Lord.

You had many challenges in your life, but your heart was so much bigger. I will never forget you calling me so that I could listen to an Al Green song you thought I hadn’t heard, or talking about old school music, or listening to one of your raps. I tried to always be there for you Rick. I love you lil bro. I Love You. James Papa Snoop, Please watch over mommy and I. We’ll miss you dearly and love you always.

Royal George

Dear Daddy, Every morning I wake up hoping this was a terrible nightmare. Words can’t express the pain I feel. You won’t be here to walk me down the aisle. GOD took you away from me so quick but I guess he needed you more than I did. Another Angel assigned to watch over me. I’m going to miss you. Until we meet again. Ri Creasha

To Ricky, Nephew I will miss you dearly. You have a special part of my heart. I asked GOD to bring you back, but that was not so. I will miss the calls from you. You always asked how I am doing. You always told me you love me. Loving You Always Auntie Barbara Ricky, Words cannot explain the emotions that’s going through my head. I have to come to terms that you will no longer come on the porch and yell my name. I don’t want to be selfish and question why but I won’t because deep down I know you are in a far better place. Snoop I will cherish our memories forever.

Love You, Minnie

Words of Expression To My Little Brother: I will always and forever love you. My heart is sadden right now because you are gone. I wanted you here, but GOD wanted and needed you more. I will miss your early morning calls when you did your gospel rapping “Sunday Morning.” When you became a Grandfather you wanted “Snoop” somewhere in Grandfather.

I told you o.k. I’m going to call you “Snoop Pop,” we laughed. Now as you reunite with all our loved ones and take your rightful place in heaven, know that I will miss you and love you forever. “Nett”

Rick, This is a very sad day. It caught us off guard. You can never get ready for it, but Bro you were a true friend straight up the whole time I knew you. This is a robbery you know, that empty feeling. The only thing we have left are those memories; you calling us late night talking or singing. You had your sister and I falling out and we don’t get that anymore. Man you will truly be missed.

Your ———— Ron

To Uncle Ricky: We will miss you. We loved your hair. Me and Janice liked calling you “Uncle Snoop.” We will always remember when we all went to church and you would say we are pretty smart girls. We love you Uncle.

From you Niece Cherrish and Great Niece Janice Dear Dad, I just want to let you know that I love you and going to miss you. I’m going to miss getting the birthday calls and when you was in jail you always wrote me letters. I appreciate that. That’s letting me know you never forgot about me. I don’t blame you because you didn’t have it like that but when you did have it, I had it. It’s hurting so much cause you was all I had. You were the only parent I knew. Now I just have my Sister and Nephew, but we will meet again Dad. I love you. From your son, Ricky B. Thomas, Jr. R.I.P Dad

Ricky My Nephew, I’m going to miss you coming by the house. Not seeing you again breaks my heart. You are at peace. No more suffering and no more pain.

Love, Auntie Marie It was just a few months ago since I last saw you at my Mama’s. Before we parted, you left me with, “I Love You.” Those last words you gave to me seem more sweet, more endearing now than at that moment. I’m blessed to have this last memory, as it is my comfort….Love you, you will always stay in my heart. - Nateral To my Uncle Ricky, I love and miss you so much. I'm going to miss hearing you say "what's up Nell Nell" every time I saw you. I am sad that you are gone but you will always be in my heart - Troynall

Pallbearers James Thomas Jr, Dante Jones

Lamont Falls

Dewayne Jones

Tanny Roberts

Lawrence McKinnie

Honorary Pallbearers Ron Williams Roderick Sykes Marcus Sykes Edward Sykes Maurice Williams Willie Williams Charles Williams Timothy Holmes Tyrone Crittenden Reggie Young Edward Lair Kenneth Ford Jr, Michael Cooper Nathaniel Thomas Eddie Thomas

Acknowledgements On behalf of the entire Thomas Family, we’d like to extend heartfelt and sincere thanks and appreciation for the many flowers, cards, letters emails, texts and expressions of condolences, but, most importantly, we thank you for your prayers. Though there were far too many to acknowledge individually, we thank everyone that offered such expressions. Whatever part you may have had in helping our family, we say God Bless You and Thank You. The Family