TERRY LAVON THOMAS

Terry Lavon Thomas, is an only child, born July 7, 1930 in Seaton Dump, AR

to the parents of Johnny Thomas and Idella Williams, who died during childbirth; therefore his

grandparents, Mack & Addie Trice in Tomberlin, AR raised him.  He confessed Christ as a child,

at Solar Rest under Bert Brown, Pastor ~ later he joined Tomberlin Baptist Church. 

 Terry was married to his beautiful bride, Doris Woolfolk for 65 years, wed November 1, 1949 in

Tomberlin, AR, and graduated from Wabbaseka High School in 1950.   From this union, 9

children were born, Marion (Franklin) Jackson, both preceded him in death; Aulden Thomas,

Linda Thomas Jones, Terrie Henderson, Deborah (Rowland) Johnson, Vernon (Sandra) Thomas,

Gary (Pamela) Thomas, Sheila (Frederick) Stallings and Vonda Thomas. 

Three grandsons, Ian Williams, Jamarco Woods, and Korey Thomas, as well as 1 great grandson,

Steven Miller, preceded him in death

Terry moved to Little Rock in 1951, and joined Macedonia Baptist Church where he has served

faithfully for the last 64 years. He served in the choir as Director and President, later ordained

and served as a deacon, until he passed early Saturday morning, August 15, 2015 with his wife

and family present.  Terry was employed by Wilson’s Window Cleaning, as both a window

cleaner and manager for 15 years.  Afterwards, he became an entrepreneur at Terry’s Janitorial

Services, serving as CEO and Founder. After closing his business, Terry worked for St. Vincent

 Hospital until his retirement in 1997. He came out of retirement and worked for the City of

 Little Rock as a driver for the seniors at Dunbar Community Center until 2009. 

T.L. as he was affectionately called, loved family reunions, dancing, and could skate pretty well

too, but his special joy, was singing.  He was blessed with a melodic gift of song, and everyone

would come to hear him sing and direct that choir.   TL, as he is affectionately known loved his

wife, Doris.  When asked at his 50th  wedding anniversary to share a moment about his life with

his wife ~ he simply said, “If I had it to do again, I would marry that beautiful lady standing here

with me, all over again.” Being married 65 years is a beautiful love story.  Doris will cherish this

 lifetime with precious memories, she was 16, and he was 19 when they said, “I Do, Until Death

Do Us Part.”  Terry’s legacy will continue through his wife, children and 62 grand, great and

great-great grandchildren, 5 generations.  Three grandsons and 1 great-great grandson preceded

 him in death.

Deacon Terry Lavon Thomas is present with the Lord.  His job here on earth is complete.  

Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have

increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus ~ 1 Timothy 3:13

Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own  . households well.

 1 Timothy 3:12

  He leaves behind 25 Grandchildren, 30 Great-Grandchildren, and 7 Great-Great Grandchildren.

Family hour, August 21, 2015 at 6pm-8pm at Macedonia, 1723 E 3rd St, Little Rock, AR 

Visitation, August 22, 2015 at 9am – 9:55am Funeral begins promptly at 10:00am,

Grace Temple, 3221 S. Gaines St, Little Rock.

Interment is Coleman Chapel, Gethsemane, AR

Gillespie & Kelly staff will be serving the Thomas families

The staff of Gillespie & Kelly Funeral Home [Kelly Smith Funeral Director 2420 Arch Street, (501) 376-7892 / 612-5607], will be serving the Thomas families. We invite you to sign the online guest book, send flowers, condolences and light a " In Memory Of " candle fromour website. www.gillespiekellyservices.com

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