Harris "Toledo Joe" Thomas

1930 - 2021

Harris "Toledo Joe" Thomas

Harris "Toledo Joe" Thomas passed away from this world November 8, 2021, surrounded by the love of his family. Born August 21, 1930, he was the third child born to Demetrius and Beulah Thomas, Greek immigrants who came from Samsun, Turkey and settled in Toledo, OH, in the early 1900s. He was very close to his elder sister, Kandace Kendall, who preceded him in passing in September, 2019. His infant brother, John Thomas, died in a car accident in 1931 and was buried in Woodlawn cemetery, where Harris will be laid to rest beside him.

Growing up during the Great Depression profoundly shaped Harris' life. He dropped out of Scott High School and followed his true passion – playing pool. He went on to become one of the best players of his time, winning games against world champions, and came to be known as "Toledo Joe" by his contemporaries. One pocket was his game of choice and he took great joy in teaching others the secrets to his success, which will forever be memorialized in his instructional DVD "Toledo Joe's Gamebusting One Pocket." His passion for life was palpable and he was never short of dreams or the energy to pursue them. Harris was remarkably industrious, working first in his father's shoe repair shop and later operating a restaurant, tire shop, pool hall, and antique shop of his own. He custom made his "Joe Thomas" pool cues, each one with a unique design and style, and they became a valuable collectors' item. He was a believer in Karma, reincarnation, and guardian angels and lived a life of sequential miracles. He had an extensive network of friends spanning several decades throughout the Toledo area, residing for many years in the former Polish Union Hall on Lagrange Street and later with his sister on W. Bancroft Street. Among his many talents, he had a photographic memory and his ability to tell a great story was truly unparalleled.

Harris is preceded in death by two sons, Raoul Kowalewsi and Joseph Carrick. Surviving children are, Julie Fieldman, Kim Pendergraft, Debbie Scoviano, Nora Keeton, Scott Thomas, Mark Thomas, Joseph Bickham, Robyn Thomas, and Apryle Thomas. He also leaves behind his niece, Mary Segur; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and three grand-nieces.

A gathering in his honor will be held at RackTime Billiards, 2600 Tremainsville Rd, November 26, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.