Sam “Wookman” Thomas, III

~Acknowledgement ~

We, the family of Sam “Wookman” Thomas, III, express our gratitude for all the many kind expressions of love shown during this time of bereavement. Thank you so much for the cards, phone calls, flowers, foods, visits and most of all your prayers. ~ May God bless each one of you.

~Honorary Pallbearers ~

Larry Savage Mark Savage John Thomas

~Active Pallbearers ~

Cornelius Greer Ray Anthony Shaw Kayne A. Brown

Mario C. Taylor

Traderious Morris Durrell Price

~Interment & Committal Rites ~

Don’t Cry for Me Don’t cry for me I’m not gone.

My soul is at rest, my heart lives on.

Light a candle for me to see and hold on to my memory, but save your tears for I’m still here, by your side through the years.

LTribute oving

Wednesday, October 18, 2017 • 2:00 P.M. West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill-Irene Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38125

~Repast ~

Redemption Christian Church 3679 Kimball Avenue Memphis, Tennessee 38111

Distinctive Services by View Funeral Programs Through Your Mobile Device

3320 Millbranch Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38116 901-452-7331 www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com “There’s No Comparison To HARRISON” ~Since 1923~ 901.351.0753 www.mysticalprinting.com info@mysticalprinting.com

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elebration of Wednesday, October 18, 2017 11:30 A.M.

Sam “Wookman” Thomas,

Redemption Christian Church

III, was born September 10, 1949, to the late Walterine Manghum Thomas and Sam Thomas, Jr. (Junior Hopper). He was raised by his grandparents, Zenobia and James “Jimmy” Manghum, in Germantown, TN along with siblings, John Thomas and the late Barbara Jean Thomas. Sam was the eldest of ten children. Three sisters preceded him in death: Barbara Jean Thomas, Pattie Ann Burks, and Sandra Savage.

3679 Kimball Avenue Memphis, Tennessee 38111

Reverend Howard L. Houston ~Officiating~

His early spiritual teachings began at Zion CME Church in Hickory Hill where his membership remained active until 2013. He then joined Redemption Christian Church under the leadership of Reverend Howard L. Houston.

Processional Scripture

Old Testament.......................................................Elder Oscar Briggs

New Testament......................................................Rev. Robert Venzant

Sam attended Capeville High School. After high school, he joined the United States Army to fight in the Vietnam war. He achieved the rank of Sergeant. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned home and worked several jobs until he found the one that would not mess up his hands (he was known for his manicured nails and callus-free hands). He found a perfect career as a driver for Trailways Bus Line where he traveled across the USA. He was also an entrepreneur and ran two successful charter bus companies: A&S Tours and Carefree Charters. When the gaming industry moved to the mid-south area, he began his gaming career. He worked as a supervisor at the Lady Luck Casino, then Pit Boss at the Fitzgerald, and finally Poker Dealer at the Horseshoe Casino. When his health failed, he decided to retire and let his “Uncle” take care of him (the Veteran’s Administration- Uncle Sam). His favorite statement was, “My uncle pays me not to rush.” He never got in a hurry for anything or anybody!

In December 2006, Sam married his best friend and the love of his life, Jacqueline (Jackie) Hughes-Brown. During their time together, they traveled across the country, attended many fun events, hosted numerous family gatherings, and made many long-lasting friendships all of which brought him so much joy.

Their union created a Brady Bunch Family, which included seven girls with one preceding him in death, Cassandra Thomas. Left to celebrate his life are his wife, Jackie; six daughters Lisa Price (Durrell), Elaine Thomas, Samia Fulwiley, Janice Greer (Cornelius), Yolanda Brown and Dorothy Gwynn (Gary); three brothers John Luther Thomas, Mark Savage, and Larry Savage (Pearlie); three sisters Nita Savage, Claudia Savage, and Sharon Savage; sisters-in-law Blanche Wilson and Gwen O’Neal (Larry); a special aunt Jewellene Manghum; and nineteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends.

ife

Prayer.....................................................................Elder David Lewis Brown Pentecostal Praise COGIC

Song................................................................................RCC Music Ministry Words of Comfort...................................................Pastor David W. Fitzgerald

Mt. Gilliam Missionary Baptist Church

Remarks:

(Respectfully, 2 minutes, Please)

Sibling...............................John Thomas Grandchildren..................Kaitlyn Brown Friends............................Douglas Smith Elder Oscar Briggs

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herished Memories

Song...............................................................................................Mike Jones Acknowledgements.................................................................Rosita Brewster Eulogy.......................................................................Rev. Howard L. Houston Song................................................................................RCC Music Ministry Recessional ~The Living Memorial~

A Tree will be planted in a National Forest as a Living Memorial to Mr. Sam “Wookman” Thomas, III. This service is offered by Harrison’s Memorial Chapel, Inc. through Batesville Casket Company, the United States Forest Service and Ontario Canada’s Grand Valley Conservation Foundation.