Robert Thomas

Robert James Thomas, formerly of Centreville, Maryland died suddenly at his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, December 27,2012. "Bobby", as he was affectionately called was born October 17, 1944 in Ingleside, Maryland. He was the eldest son of ten children born to the union of Lloyd and Anna Thomas. Bobby attended Kennard High School in Centreville, Maryland prior to integration and it becoming Queen Anne's County High School. Never a traditional learner, he was a more hands on learner who tinkered with things to get them running (for the most part he was very good at it!) He was always interested in the mechanical aspect of fixing things. Bobby was no stranger to hard work and getting his hands dirty. He with his brothers Junior and Daniel helped their dad on the farm having to rise up early in the morning before going to school to perform duties and tasks on a dairy farm. Bobby realized that this was not the life he desired for himself. He wanted something better for himself. He left home at the age of sixteen and moved to Philadelphia with his Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben, they took him under their wings and guided him. He held various jobs while living in Philadelphia. Each position he held, no matter how small or insignificant served as a catalyst to him during what he loved most-working with his hands. For many years he worked at the Philadelphia Inquirer Newspaper and was also was a cook at Howard Johnson's Restaurant in Philadelphia His experience at Howard Johnson enabled him to earned the title of "grill master" at family reunions. Later in his career, he worked in construction and prior to his retirement he was a butcher in the meat department at Wal-Mart in New Jersey. He enjoyed reading his Bible and listening to gospel music. What a joyous day when he expressed to his sisters that he found the Lord and that God had saved him! Truly our prayers had been answered when he professed salvation. He was preceded in death by a brother Reginald Thomas. He leave to cherish his memories: his parents; Lloyd and Anna Thomas, Ridgely, MD; children; Robert, Lisa Walters, Philadelphia and David Walters, New Jersey: grand-children; Lamar, Demetrius, Maurice, Sarah, Katrina, Kimberly and David Jr.; grand-child; Keniya; siblings; Margaret, Ridgely, Lloyd (Viola) Newark, Del; Daniel, Philadelphia; Shirley Lumpkin (Thomas) Starr, Maryland; Ella, Centreville; Clarretta Kellum (Arthur) Cordova, MD; Alfred (Lori) Henderson, MD; Gloria, Chestertown; He is survived by two aunts: Margaret Thomas, Wilmington, Del., and Irene Minus, Philadelphia, PA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Bobby will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. We will forever remember his warm smile and sense of humor. He is gone but not forgotten.

Robert Thomas

October 17, 1944 - December 31, 2012