Edward "Ricky" Thomas

Edward (Ricky) Thomas was born on August 19, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan. Ricky passed away Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at the age of 77. He was the beloved son of Tommy Lee (Walker-Thomas) Brown and Earnest (Dub) Thomas. 

He is survived by his wife, Georgette (Atlanta, GA); son, Eric (Bakersfield, CA); and daughter, Kendra (Atlanta, GA). 

Ricky spent his early childhood years in Triadelphia, WV and later moved to Hil-Dar in Elm Grove, WV. He joined Job Corp and spent two years in California, where he trained in Forestry. He returned to WV and worked a short period in the Valley Camp Coal mine until he relocated to Aliquippa, PA where he worked in the steel mill until their closure. He then relocated to Columbus, Ohio where he worked various jobs until his retirement. 

He was a member of the United Methodist Church For All People on Parsons Avenue. Ricky enjoyed attending the services and developed close relationships with the ministerial staff and other members of the congregation. When he was no longer able to attend service, members of the congregation would often visit, call and send cards on all holidays. Ricky was well known in the community and helped others by doing odd jobs for seniors who lived in the community. He gave food, clothing, and money to those in need. Whenever family or friends visited, they usually left with snacks, juice, or milk that he saved for those visits. 

Ricky loved his family. He called family members daily regardless of where they lived. His conversations were extremely brief and always ended with “Love Ya”. He saved every greeting card that was sent to him and the obituary of every family member and friend. Ricky was Love. 

Ricky was preceded in death by both of his parents, Tommy Lee and Earnest (Dub); special cousins, Gloria, Ossie Mae, Barbara, Connie and Roosevelt.

 He is survived by his wife, Georgette Thomas (Atlanta, GA); son, Eric Thomas (Bakerfield, CA), Kendra Thomas (Atlanta, GA); and two grandchildren, Koby and Elia; brother, Walter (Sonny); sister, Saundra (Lu Lu); brother, Owens (Sluggo) and Rosenita

(Rose); and special cousin, Tyrone Harper (Columbia, SC); longtime friend, Dave Baker.