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R. THOMAS Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
THOMAS, Jr., Dr. R. Roosevelt Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr. of Decatur, GA, husband of Judge Ruby J. Thomas, passed May 17, 2013. His funeral will be announced by Carl M. Williams Funeral Dirs., Inc., 492 Larkin St., SW, 404-522-8454. Please visit our website at www.carlmwilliams.com for further details.
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Memories and Condolences
for R. THOMAS
Nene Molefi
May 15, 2021
Roosevelt remains an inspiration to me and my team of consultants. He left a rich legacy that will benefit generations to come. As the world grapples with how to become truly inclusive, I know that he would have been in the Center of solution seeking dialogue . May his family be comforted and proud of his achievements and impact he made in this world - beyond his Country of birth. God Bless.
Nene Molefi, Johannesburg. South Africa.
HBCU Author
May 13, 2021
Yes, today's celebration of life for an incredible person: In loving memory of a wonderful leader and brilliant man, Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr. His amazing workforce diversity research was so helpful in solving problems for so many people. "May the work I've done speak for me." ---The Consolers
HBCU Author
May 13, 2021
Yes, today's celebration of life for an incredible person: In loving memory of a wonderful leader and brilliant man, Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr. His amazing workforce diversity research was so helpful in solving problems for so many people. "May the work I've done speak for me." ---The Consolers
HBCU Author
May 13, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful leader and brilliant man, Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr. His workforce diversity research was so helpful in solving social problems for so many people.
Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr., May 24, 1944 - May 17, 2013, Pioneer, Thought Leader and Guru of Managing Diversity, HBCU Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia
Journal Writers
May 13, 2020
In loving memory of a Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr., a wonderful person.
HBCU ECSU Writer
May 13, 2020
HBCU Morehouse College, "Business Pioneering Guru, and Thoughtful Leader," Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr., will continue to live on in our hearts, good deeds; the spoken words and writings of his Managing Diversity.
Family Journal Editors,
USA & Abroad
Family Journal Heritage Seal
Dr. Charles L. Singleton
May 14, 2019
Hello Ruby and Family. Deep in our hearts we are still praying for you. And, may God continue always to keep and strengthen you. Forever, in our precious memories, the legacy Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr. will continue to live on in each of us, and truly inspire others.
In Remembrance,
The Family Journal, USA & Overseas
June 10, 2013
Dear Thomas Family: I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Thomas. When ever I reached out to him for his assistance regarding conducting workforce diversity research - he always made time to meet with me or answer my questions. He will be missed by workforce diversity community - but NEVER FORGOTTEN!
Sincerely,
Dr. Chaunda L. Scott
Morehouse: Building Visionary Leaders
Chad Simmons
June 5, 2013
"Beyond Race & Gender" became the foundation of how I thought about my role in developing leaders. I pray that my life will be a positive legacy of Bro. Dr. Thomas' vision and fulfill the pledge we made to Dear Old Morehouse.
Gloria Young
May 31, 2013
I was able to connect and interact with Roosevelt Thomas many moons ago and it has left a lasting effect on me. His contributions to creating a world of inclusion is tremendous. He will be sorely missed.
May 31, 2013
Over ten years ago, I met Dr. Thomas at D2K, a diversity & inclusion conference. I was impressed by how humble he appeared to be. And, when he spoke, his words were so compelling. He was an exemplar of great leadership. I will always remember and treasure that encounter.
Anna dos Ramos
Monica Villalta
May 28, 2013
My condolences to the family and my gratitude and recognition to Dr. Thomas for all his contributions to me personally and to the field. Truly a legend who touched many.
Nene Molefi
May 27, 2013
I have drawn a lot of inspiration from Roosevelt and have read most of his books.Each of them have practical application and strategic advice for many of my clients.His gentleness and depth of knowledge in the field of Diversity will be missed as he was a physical and virtual mentor to many.May God bring comfort to Dr Thomas's family.
Nene Molefi
Johannesburg, South Africa
Nancy DiTomaso
May 26, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family and to the colleagues who have been inspired and influenced by Roosevelt's work. Over the years I have appreciated his contributions to making the issues of diversity and inequality central to effective management and successful organizations. From the institutions he founded and built, his writing and speaking, and his personal integrity and influence, he has created a legacy that will live on in the hearts, minds, and practices of those who have taken on the responsibility to make diversity a core organizational value and to enable the contributions of everyone to collective goals. Roosevelt stands apart in the reach of his influence in developing diversity as a field of study and of professional practice. May he rest in peace and may his life's work continue to grow in impact.
Lawrence & Beanie Reeves
May 25, 2013
Dr. Thomas was and inspiration to many. My prayers and sympathy goes out to the family.
May God continue to bless your family
Lawrence and Beanie Reeves, AU Class of 1973 & 1975
Dr. Marcus S. Robinson
Marcus Robinson
May 24, 2013
Dr. Thomas, Jr. was a giant in the field of business on the cutting edge of managing diversity and inclusion. He was an exceptional human being. It was my privilege to know and learn from him. His surely missed in my circle of friends...
Claire Damken Brown
May 23, 2013
Dr. Thomas was a pioneer in the diversity field. I was fortunate to take a couple classes from him in the mid-1980s and I was on panel with him for a program in Denver in the 90s. Always a fascinating and wise person to listen to. My deepest sympathy to Judge Thomas and family.
John Alexander
May 23, 2013
I greatly enjoyed knowing and learning from Dr. Thomas over a 15-year period through his membership in The Learning Network -- another of the many professional groups in which he was involved and to which he made a profound contribution. I will miss his intelligence and his quiet, gentle presence, but most of all I will miss his friendship. His legacy is secure and will endure. Please accept our deepest condolences.
May 23, 2013
It hurts to hear that old friends are no longer here. Remember all the good times and the fun we had and he will never be far away. I wish the family peace and comfort.
Bill Brummell 67
Brenda Grier
May 22, 2013
Ruby, my prayers are with you.
Ann & John May
May 22, 2013
Ruby, please accept our sincere condolences. I know that Roosevelt will be missed by so many but also find comfort in the fact that he is resting now.
LaKetha Hudson
May 22, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Walter & Sharon Fluker
May 21, 2013
Dear Ruby and family,
Please hear and feel our deep sense of loss and celebration of a great life. All life is about meeting and passing . . . But Roosevelt will not be forgotten. Our prayers are with you in the days ahead.
Marcia Reynolds
May 21, 2013
What a loss for the world.
I got to know Roosevelt when he helped us with the Berrett-Koehler Marketing Workshop a few years ago. He was as generous as he was brilliant. His caring ran so deep. I know he will be missed my many.
Jacqueline Gibson
May 21, 2013
Dear Judge Thomas,
You have my deepest sympathy. Feel blessed that we had him with us for 68 years.
With warmest regards,
Jacqueline A. Gibson
May 21, 2013
Dear Ruby and Family,
On behalf of my family and me, I would like to express deepest condolences on the loss of Roosevelt. He has left us with a great abundance of new ideas and ways to make our lives better through diversity and inclusion. The blessing of these gifts will remain with us for a long time.
I also remember you all at Greater Framingham Community Church and how Roosevelt administered the Sunday School with his calm demeanor.
May you find peace and comfort in all of the memories that you shared.
Love & Blessings,
Barbara Holland and family
Framingham, MA
Maren Showkeir
May 21, 2013
I knew Roosevelt slightly through the Berrett-Koehler Authors Co-op, and he had such a presence about him. He was clearly a force for good. My sincere condolences to your family in this difficult time of loss. Wishing you comfort.
May 21, 2013
Ruby,
I met Roosevelt through the B_K Coop.
We shared meals and great conversation together. I appreciated his gentle spirit and loving inclusive heart.
Emily Axelrod
Mark Albion
May 21, 2013
Ruby,
You and I have never met, but Roosevelt was my OB professor in the HBS doctoral program 1975-6. We had 12 in the class and had a lot of fun while learning a lot from Roosevelt. It was great to get a chance to reconnect with him through BK the past few years, and through mutual friends like Fred Miller and Judith Katz.
I and many other HBS students will miss him and his light greatly.
Judith Katz
May 21, 2013
Roosevelt has always been a great thinker about diversity and inclusion. He had a gentle and powerful spirit. And most importantly he was a generous and loving colleague. He will be greatly missed.
Howard Zehr
May 21, 2013
My contact with Roosevelt was during college days, and I remember him fondly. He showed great promise in those days and it seems that he indeed lived up to this promise. My blessings to the family.
Howard
May 21, 2013
Ruby,
May you find comfort in the memories that are yours to cherish, strength in those who share your loss, and peace in the promise that life is everlasting. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Patricia Willis Bowers
Robin Crawford
May 21, 2013
As God himself is the King of Diversity and Inclusion, there is no doubt that Roosevelt was one of his angels! Thank you Dr Thomas for all you taught me and the world. Your lessons will not be forgotten. You will always be admired and appreciated. You were my mentor, my coach and my friend. I look forward to seeing you again one day . Much Love, Robin
Leonard (Pete) Scruggs
May 21, 2013
What I remember about Roosevelt is his deep sense of purpose and the gallantry with which he lived out that purpose. He was a true value to those who knew him.
Edna Chun
May 20, 2013
I am a great admirer of Dr. Thomas work. He was a light in the wilderness and he will be greatly missed.
Dr. Torri Love Griffin
May 20, 2013
Ruby, you and Roosevelt have been and will always be an important part of our lives. We love you.
Torri, Jael, Jael & Neyo
Cheryl Kern-Principal, D&I- Amway
May 20, 2013
While I never met Dr Thomas in person, his work paved the way for so many of us and created awareness of diversity and inclusion during a time when it was critically needed. May he rest in peace and his legacy live on.
Mary-Frances Winters
May 20, 2013
Dr. Thomas was not only an amazing thought leader, he was a wonderful, kind and compassionate person, strong in his faith.
He has been called a gentle giant, working passionately and tirelessly for to make this world a more just and inclusive place for all. Through story, metaphor and allegory, Dr. Thomas helped us all better understand how inclusion really was the way to enhance performance, solve conflicts and make this world a better place for all. He will be missed.
I send love and blessings to his family.
May 20, 2013
Ruby and members of the Thomas Family,
I would like to extend my sincere condolences in the loss of Roosevelt. He was truly an icon in the diversity and inclusion field. Please forgive me for sending an earlier message with the wrong name for Ruby. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Effenus Henderson
Weyerhaeuser
May 20, 2013
We are deeply saddened by the loss of a major icon in the diversity and inclusion profession. Many of us stand on the shoulders of this giant. He brought much needed change and was considered the consummate thought leader in this area. I want to extend my sincere condolences to the Joyce and the family for your loss. May God be with you.
Effenus Henderson
Weyerhaeuser
London Newton
May 20, 2013
Heartfelt Sympathy in your hours of need.
LaParis Brooks
May 20, 2013
My condolences are with you and your family. John 14:1-4
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.
Charles S. and Sondra Rhoades Johnson
May 20, 2013
Ruby and Family,
We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Roosevelt's passing. He may be gone, but he will love on in your hearts and memories. May he Rest In Paradise. We lift you and the Family up in prayer.
Bea Perdue
May 20, 2013
To the family of Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, please know that earth has no sorrow which heaven can not bear. Dr. Thomas touched the minds of so many that when think about missing him, we can reflect on a lifetime of thought and learning that he inspired.
May 20, 2013
Dear Ruby and Family, Our hearts go out to you and your family on the death of your wonderful husband, Please accept our sincere condolences and please call us if we can be of any help what so ever. Love, Dr. William O.and Betty B Walker
Lani Hall
May 20, 2013
Dr. Thomas was such a role model and inspiration and will be missed. He has left a legacy of diversity practictioners who are wiser and will go on to do great things because of his wisdom and teaching. I feel fortunate to have been lucky enough to have been in his presence. Prayers and blessings to his family and many, mnay friends and followers.
Dr. Charles L. Singleton
May 20, 2013
To Judge Ruby J. Thomas & Family,
We are truly sadden about the passing of our dear neighbor, a great man and fellow author, Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr. Thank Dr. Thomas for his outstanding work in Diversity Management, Consulting and Training. Remember, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." (Psalms 30:5)
Editors: The Family Journal, Atlanta, Georgia ~ Dr. Charles L. Singleton, Mrs. Sarah McLean and Mrs. Karen Merrilles
David Casey
May 20, 2013
Dr. Thomas will be very sorely missed. His mentorship, frienship and fellowship meant so much to me. He not only challenged others to "do"; he challenged others to "think" - one of the greatest gifts to humankind. Wishing the entire Thomas family God's peace and comfort in knowing the world is a better place because of the wisdom he graciously and selflessly shared.
RIP Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas
Janice Freeman-Hall
May 19, 2013
To the family of Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr. may the Lord be with you in your time of sorrow and know that Dr. Thomas is now with the Lord and his wisdom and knowledge would live forever with those who lives he touched in this diver world. RIP Dr. Thomas you have fought a good fight and kept the faith now it is your time to REST!
Robert Young
May 19, 2013
To the family of Dr. R.Roosevelt Thomas Jr,our mentor,colleague and friend, we offer our deepest sympathy on learning of his transition. God will comfort you during this difficult time. Please know that his work, his words and his spirit will live on in those of us who are left to carry on his great work. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Tiane Mitchell Gordon
May 19, 2013
Dr. Thomas was an inspiration and a blessing. His guidance and wisdom as a mentor will be missed. May God provide your family comfort and solace during this time.
May 19, 2013
May you draw comfort and peace from God during this time of mourning. Romans 5:28, 29
May 19, 2013
Ruby, I was so sad to hear about your husband. My heart goes out to you and your family. Sending you love
Rita Sittig
May 19, 2013
With deepest sympathy to the Thomas Jr. family during your time of grief...God is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead...(Psalm 62:8).
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