Theodore R. Thomas Jr.

A TIME TO BE BORN On February 18, 1938, Theodore Roosevelt Thomas Jr. was born to the late Theodore Roosevelt Thomas Sr. and Alva Mae Luster Thomas in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania the fourth child and only son.

A TIME TO GROW Theodore spent most of his early childhood growing up in Elmore Square. He attended Central Baptist Church with his family. His early educational foundation and quest for knowledge was formulated and supported at the A. Leo Weil Elementary School. His education continued at the Fifth Avenue High School and culminated at the George Westinghouse High School where he met the “love of his life “and future wife Arlene. Upon Graduation from Westinghouse, Theodore served in the US Army where he received an honorable discharge. On May 25, 1957 Teddy as he was affectionately called by his bride Arlene Frances Moultrie were United in Holy Matrimony. To this union five children were born. Teddy was a leader among men. He served as mentor to his children, his nieces, nephews, and young people everywhere. Teddy’s work career included Allis Chalmers, The US Post Office and finally Eastman Kodak where he was employed for many years before retiring as an Equipment Service Representative. He used to say, “I have to work because I have 5 mouths to feed. “Dad was so determined to work hard. We remember a time when he was waiting for the bus to go to work and got frost bitten on his ears. He was reluctant to take a few days off to be treated. To his children this was the measure of the Man. “A BADGE OF HONOR” Education and Learning were at the forefront of Teddy’s “List of Requirements for himself and his Children. Teddy was articulate and demanded the same for his Children which included proper enunciation and diction. Dis, dat, and da were not allowed in the home.

A TIME TO LIVE Teddy was inquisitive. He was always at the center of a good debate usually with his sisters and friends. He questioned everything and everybody. Teddy and Arlene provided a stable and loving home. Christmas at the Thomas’ house was always a beautiful sight to see. The family would design and create their Christmas window ornaments using anything and everything available and decorated every open space in the home. Teddy could make and fix anything. His home was a place of parties, picnics, and pleasures. Teddy loved bowling, cruising and was a do or die Steeler Fan. He was extremely proud when he had the opportunity to become a Steeler Season Ticket Holder. Sunday afternoons and Monday Nights were special to him when his beloved Steelers were playing. His “Woman” after 51 years of marriage for better or worse, for richer or poorer and sickness and in health went home to be with the LORD on June 16, 2008. Though life was challenging without her he focused on loving and leading his still growing family, as he continued his journey as a Father, Grandfather and Great grandfather. Teddy was known for his colliquialisms. “Help the Bear”, “You Better Hurry Up”, “Like Yesterday” and “I done died and went to Heaven.”

A TIME TO DIE Teddy answered GOD’S call to ETERNITY on Saturday, December 26, 2020 at his home surrounded by family. Teddy was preceded in death by his father, Theodore R. Thomas Sr., his mother Alva Mae Thomas, Stepfather Truman Howard, Sisters Mary Alice Stokes, Betty Louise Lunn, and his wife Arlene Frances Thomas. A TIME TO REMEMBER Teddy, leaves to cherish his precious memories: His 5 children: Robin (Rev. Robert) Coles Jr. of Hackensack, NJ, Ted (Roslyn) Thomas Sr. of Pittsburgh, PA, Kimberly (Robert) Merideth Sr. of Kinston, NC, Betty L. Thomas of Kinston, NC, Lynda (Jon) Reid Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA, 12 grandchildren; Shamena, Derrick, James, Dominique, Christina, Theo, Jordin, LaNice, Christopher, Quinton, Jon and Khadijah; 9 Great Grandchildren; Damion, Dimoni, Justin, Ameria, Cameron, JourNee, Kaisen, King and Lauryn, one sister; Rose Marie Carter, 2 sisters in law; Delores Burgess and Cassandra Brown, 2 brothers in law; James Johnson and Robert Burgess, all of Pittsburgh, PA and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Theodore R. Thomas Jr., please visit our floral store.