Dr Kingsley-Thomas-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Cobbs Funeral Home - Pontiac

Dr Kingsley Archer Thomas

Pontiac, Michigan

Dec 24, 1936 – May 28, 2025

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BORN
December 24, 1936
DIED
May 28, 2025
LOCATION
Pontiac, Michigan

Obituary

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Cobbs Funeral Home - Pontiac Obituary

Dr. Kingsley A. Thomas, MD, age 88, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, in Michigan, surrounded by loved ones.


Born on December 24, 1936, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, to the late, Martin and Medora Thomas, Kingsley came to the United States on a track scholarship.  He proudly ran the 800 meters for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he also earned his Bachelor of Science degree.  He later went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Guadalajara in Mexico, becoming fluent in Spanish along the way.


Dr. Thomas dedicated more than five decades of his life to pediatric medicine, serving families throughout Pontiac, Michigan, and the surrounding communities.  From the beginning, he was driven by a mission to care for underserved, low-income, and non-English-speaking families — especially the Hispanic community.  He intentionally established his practice in a neighborhood where he could use his Spanish fluency to directly serve patients who often faced language barriers in healthcare.  For many, Dr. Thomas was not only a pediatrician but a trusted, lifelong caregiver who treated multiple generations — children, parents, and even grandparents.


Over the course of his remarkable career, Dr. Thomas cared for more than 80,000 children and served as the former Chairman of Pediatrics at Trinity Health.  He worked tirelessly, seven days a week, and spent his lunch hours consulting troubled youth at Havenwyck Hospital five days a week — a testament to his extraordinary dedication and compassion.


Dr. Thomas will be remembered for his calm presence, gentle humor, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to his patients and community.  He leaves behind a legacy of love and service.


He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Cheryl Thomas; his son, Kingsley M. Thomas; his daughter, DeAndra Thomas; and his cherished grandson, Kingsley I. Thomas — who continue to carry forward his values and spirit.


Dr. Thomas was especially proud of establishing a free back-to-school health clinic in Jamaica in 2024, bringing care to children in his home country. In lieu of flowers, cards, or gifts, donations may be made in his honor to the ISSA Trust Foundation, a reputable 501(c)(3) charity supporting pediatric care in Jamaica:
https://issatrustfoundation.com/donate


A celebration of life for Dr. Kingsley A. Thomas will be held on:
Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 2:00 PM
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
43816 Woodward Avenue
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 (across from St. Joseph’s Hospital)


The celebration will include food, music, and heartfelt speeches honoring Dr. Thomas’s life and legacy.
Please RSVP by July 1 if you plan to attend,


(Adult Affair - No Children)


https://www.eventcreate.com/e/drkingsleythomas


 

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We will forever miss him. He took very good care of all my four kids. He was more dad and doctor as well. He really gave us all his best in care. He motivated me to got to nursing school and furthered into NP school and am very grateful. Rest in peace Dr Kingsley.

Dr Thomas was a phenominal doctor. He was my kids doctor then my kids kids docortor. He really cared about his patients. He will truly be mi

I worked with Dr. Thomas for 20 years at Havenwyck Hospital. Dr. Thomas was a kind man who was caring and he loved working with the kids on the unit. He will be greatly missed!

Tanya Keppler Medical records

What A Phenomenal Man!!, That Touch The Community Of Pontiac Michigan,!!, With Loving Open Arms, A Kinder Spirit, As Well As Genuine Concern!!, For All Family's That His Paths Crossed!, The Community Will Never Be The Same!, But Truly Blessed To Have Been A Part Of Your Life Journey Dr.Thomas, I Thank You For Me! And My Children, My Nephew's As Well As My Niece's!, Your Love Is Irreplaceable!, But Most Of All For Believeing In The Community When We Couldn't And Didn't Believe In...

I got chills when I saw this post. Dr. Thomas left a long lasting impression on me. He was my Doctor from 1976-1980 (3-8 years old). It broke my Mothers heart when we had to switch Doctors. We moved from Pontiac in 1978 then did the drive from Utica to Pontiac for a few years. His kindness, soft voice, funny accent (remember, I was a child) and his ability to make me laugh when I was scared, all still resinate to this day. I looked him up a few years back and I was so happy to see he was...

This is so heart breaking to me and my son he was my doctor and my son doctor he taught me a lot he wasn't only my doctor or son doctor but a mentor for me and my son

R I P........

I will always remember him. Truly a wonderful man and dedication he had for his work and everyone. Loved his laughter and Joy. Rest in peace Dr. Thomas

Dr.Thomas
He was a remarkable man. He was there for everyone. May he rest in peace