Terrell G. Thomas

Terrell Thomas, 84, of Scottsdale, AZ passed away peacefully with family beside him on May 14, 2025, after a long challenge with cancer. Terrell (Terry) was born along with his twin brother on July 6, 1940 in Arthur Illinois to Rolla and Edna Thomas. In 1957 his family moved to Scottsdale, AZ. Terry attended Arizona State University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in finance. After graduating from ASU, he was drafted into the US Amry and served in the 2nd Armored Division and honorably discharged. In 1971, he married Karen Kanski, and they had two sons, Terrell M. and Scott. After working a short time in father's real estate company, he joined Motorola and retired from General Dynamics who had purchased his Motorola Division with 30 years of service. During his time with Motorola, he served 3 ½ years in Hong Kong and 3 ½ years in Malaysia as financial controller of Assembly Test Operations. He was transferred back to Scottsdale to work on a special project for the Government Division of Motorola. At the time of retirement, he was contract manager for large government contracts. After retirement, he became a consultant for Sypris Electronics and lived in Tampa, Florida. This made it possible to become active in his stepdaughter's life who had two college age daughters of her own.
After final retirement from the commercial world, he devoted his time to various charities with emphasis on a large renewal (construction) project at Valley Presbyterian Church which he had been an active member of for 35 years. His children describe Terry as a loving and attentive father. As a family they participated in many local events and took vacations in and around various countries where they lived. They also described him as interesting, fun, hardworking and always had time for them.
Terry is survived by sons Terrell M (Kerri), Jack and Cole of Scottsdale, Scott (Clair) Patrick and Marcus of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and daughter Julie-Page-Kolb (Dan), his brother Gary and sister Judy Darrow, Kendra and Michaela of Florida. Terry was preceded in death by his parents Rolla and Edna Thomas and his brother-in-law, Ron Darrow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Valley Presbyterian Church or The Salvation Army. Celebration of Life will be held at Valley Presbyterian Church at 10 AM on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025.