Ron Thomas Obituary

Sunrise November 25, 1941

Sunset February 28, 2010

Saturday, March 6, 2010 Viewing - 9:00 am ď • Service - 11:00 am The New United Baptist Church 2233 Hunter Place S.E. Washington, D.C. 20020

Rev. Arthur J. Patterson, Pastor Officiating

The evening of Sunday, February 28, 2010, Ronald “Ron” Thomas peacefully entered eternal rest in his home with his loving wife and children by his side. He succumbed to an illness which he fought courageously since 2009.

Ronald Thomas was born November 25, 1941 in Ville Platte, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents Waverly (Poullard) Thomas and Linton Thomas, Sr. and a brother Daniel L. Thomas.

Ron was baptized at an early age at the Saint John Baptist Church, Ville Platte Louisiana.

He attended James Stephen High School, and was a member of the Jazz and marching bands. Ron graduated May 1961. He worked in a local supermarket prior to Enlistment in the U.S. Army in 1963.

Ron, honorably served twenty-three (23) years in the U. S. Army in the field of Telecommunications before retiring in 1986. During his Army Career he was recognized with numerous awards and citations; Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medals, and Army Achievement Medal. Ron’s tours of duty have been at Ft Huachuca, Arizona, and Ogden, Utah; his overseas service locations included Korea, Netherlands, Italy, Okinawa, Turkey and Saudi-Arabia.

After retiring from the Army, Ron lived in Ogden, Utah for a short time. Then, Sierra Vista, Arizona, became Ron’s home for many years. He was a member of the Princeton Masonic Lodge, Chapter XIII. Ron received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 1987. He worked for the Department of the Army, Department of the Air Force, and Defense Logistics Agency before transferring to the Washington Metropolitan Area.

In 1994, Ron settled in Maryland to work for the Defense Information System Agency/ National Communications System (DISA/NCS), where he met and fell in love with his lovely wife Barbara. They married on April 13, 1996, bringing together two existing families into one loving family. Throughout Ron’s career as a Federal employee he received numerous performances awards. After serving ten (10) dedicated years with DISA/NCS, he retired in 2004 to focus on his favorite hobbies; gardening, cooking and fishing. Ron was a life member of the North American Fishing Club. Ron also enjoyed playing golf and bowling.

Ron was very active at his church; he served as the Chairman on the Board of Deacons for Ten (10) years, the Superintendent of the Sunday School, Food Share Distribution Program Coordinator, and member of the Male Choir. Ron also served in other capacities of the church before becoming ill. Truly a man after God’s heart.

Ron leaves to rejoice in his homecoming, his beloved wife Barbara L. McCain-Thomas, and his children DuSharme Thomas, California, Linda Carry (Anthony), Sierra Vista, Arizona, Darnell P. McCain and Lalaysha Washington, Maryland; Family pet, Poo. Sisters: Shirley Garlow, Mesquite, TX, Barbara Moss(Mitchell ), Detroit, MI, Mary L. Thomas, Lake Charles, LA, Gladys Myles (James), Ville Platte, LA. ; Brothers: Jesse Thomas, Houston, TX, Linton Thomas, Jr. and Michael Thomas, Lake Charles Louisiana.

In-laws: Jannie B. Caldwell and Donald A. McCain, Grandchildren: Patrice N Yang (Toua), Tia Newman, Sade Carry and Kaleb Javon McCain; Greatgrand Children: Sela Yang, Josiah and Jayda Solarsano; Godchildren: Tiffinia Thomas, Cynthia Frazier, Saniya Foreman and Veronica Garlow, along with a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Processional Selection................................................................................................... NUBC Choir Scripture Readings...........................................................Rev. R. Vincent Palmer, II Rehobeth Baptist Church Old............................................................................................. Psalm 9: 1-10 New..................................................................................1 Corinthians 5:1-9 Prayer..............................................................................................Rev. Ronnie Smith Messiah Baptist Church Selection................................................................................................... NUBC Choir Resolution....................................................................................... Board of Deacons Tributes/Expressions (2-3minutes)............................................ Sis. Mary Thomas Deacon Carlton Jack Mr. Eldridge Thomas Bro. Hubert Collins Solo.................................................................................................... Sis. Tonja Palmer Acknowledgement of Cards & Church Letter.................................. Church Clerk Selection................................................................................................... NUBC Choir Obituary (Read Silently) Eulogy....................................................................................Rev. Arthur J. Patterson Recessional

Don’t grieve for me; for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play; Tasks left undone must stay that way. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things too I will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I’ve savored much. Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me, I’m with God now. I’VE BEEN SET FREE!

Pallbearers

Darnell P. McCain Vincent Smith Nathan Matthews

Jesse Thomas Eldridge Thomas

Davon Willis Carlton Jack Michael Thomas

Honorary Pallbearers Linton Thomas, Jr. Mitchell Moss

Flower Bearers New United Baptist Church Members

Acknowledgements The family of Ronald Thomas acknowledges with deep appreciation the calls, cards, flowers, and other acts of tenderness and kindness shown during this time of bereavement may God continue to bless you. ~ THE FAMILY ~

Special Acknowledgements The Walter Reed Army Medical Center Radiology & Oncology Staff and the Hospice of Chesapeake for providing the medical care and attention Ron required. Deacons Roderick Fuquary and Carlton Jack, Brother Nathan Mathews and Ms. Barbara Edgerton were faithful in visiting Ron while he was ill. The Department of Defense Chief Information Office Staff, Trustee Brenda Luckey and Deaconess Birdie Harris, ensured that Ron’s Caregiver (his wife) had someone there for her as she tended to him daily.

Repast Please join the family immediately following the service New United Fellowship Hall

Professional Services Entrusted to: Freeman Funeral Services 4594 Beech Road • Temple Hills, MD 20748

Interment Monday, March 8, 2010 @ 10am Arlington National Cemetery 214 McNair Rd. • Arlington, Va. 22211