LOUIS THOMAS JR

Celebration of Life Service Honoring Louis Thomas, Jr.

Sunrise: June 7, 1935 - Sunset: April 24, 2024

Louis Thomas, Jr., affectionately known as “Big Daddy”, was born in Augusta, Georgia on June 7, 1935, to the late John Louis Thomas and Carrie Lou Thomas.  He was the older brother to the late Charles Thomas.

He attended Lucy Laney High School and graduated in the Class of 1954, where he played in the school band.  He furthered his studies at Morehouse College, with a concentration in medical research. As a young college scholar, he worked as a Research Technician at Emory Medical Center.

 Louis was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church of the Atonement for many years. He attended church regularly with his family. In more recent years, Louis attended Hillside International Truth Center where he developed a deep admiration for so many ministers and members.

Louis Thomas, Jr. joined The United States Army March 24, 1958, and served until he was honorably discharged March 18, 1960. He was a lifelong learner who was eager to share his lessons with all who would listen. In every lengthy conversation, he ‘generously shared’ his knowledge and expertise.  He had many interests and earned numerous certifications and qualifications throughout his educational and professional careers.  Louis was a brilliant man who excelled in every subject he encountered. He had a remarkable depth of understanding and a passion for knowledge.  Louis’s commitment to education, professional development and self-improvement was unmatched and extremely impressive. He always sought out opportunities to expand his knowledge and skills, and he consistently strived for excellence.

Of his proudest achievements:

October 1958: He successfully completed the Neuropsychiatric Procedures Course at The Army Medical Service School and Brooke Army Hospital at Fort Sam Houston.

March 1967: He was a founding member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 850.

April 1972: He joined The United States Post Office as an Electrical Engineer; his tenure lasted 23 years before retiring in September 1995.

June 1973: He successfully completed a 672-hour training course in Industrial & Residential Wiring at Atlanta Area Technical School.

April 1977: Became a Prince Hall Free and Accepted Mason, HR Butler Lodge No. 23. He became a Gold Card Member in April 2012 and has served faithfully for 47 years.

July 1985: He earned his State of Georgia License as a Master Electrician.

November 1987 – Earned certification in Welding Technology from Chattahoochee Technical Institute.

Louis was blessed with two loving marriages in his lifetime. Louis met Ocie Virden in 1962 and they wed on September 5, 1964.  Through this union, he welcomed his oldest son, Tonialo Mayo.  Family meant the world to Louis, he and Ocie expanded theirs with the birth of Victor Louis in January 1964, Berlinda Elaine in November 1966, and Debra Denise in June 1968.  Louis was a beloved husband and devoted father who worked tirelessly to provide for his family, always placing their needs above his own.  He led by example, instilling in Tonialo and Victor the values of being a caring husband and a present father. Berlinda and Debra were reminded of how men were to treat them.  He supported his children in any endeavor they pursued.  He was extremely proud of his children and their accomplishments. He was a mentor and role model to his children, grandchildren, and so many others. He enjoyed spending time with family. Louis and Ocie shared years of happiness until her passing on December 4, 1989.

Finding love again, Louis remarried Dardeen Willis (affectionately known as “Mrs. Dee”) on February 14, 2006, for whom he cared for deeply and shared his love until he made his transition on April 24, 2024.

Louis Thomas Jr. was preceded in death by his parents John Louis and Carrie Lou Thomas, wife Ocie Virden Thomas, and younger brother Charles Thomas. 

Louis leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted and loving wife Mrs. Dardeen Willis-Thomas, his children Tonialo (Pamela) Thomas, Victor (Vickie) Thomas, Berlinda Johnson, and Debra (Kevin) Thigpen; his grandchildren Ricky Johnson, Tonielia Mayon (Jeremy), Tonialo Mayo Jr., Victor Louis Jr., Vicori Lynn, Cedric Louis Jr. (Yvette), Shaun Jamal (Sharahn); Trevin Marcus, Kevin Lloyd Jr., and Devin Louis; his great grandchildren Joaquin Louis, Shaun Louis Jr., Shamari Jamal, Sharon Isla, Nevaeh Harmony, Taylor Cenai, and Jahari Tonialo, and a host of loving relatives and friends who will love him always.

Masonic Obituary of Brother Louis Thomas, Jr.

Brother Louis Thomas Jr. made the decision to become a Prince Hall Free and Accepted Mason on April 19, 1977. He became a member of H. R. Butler Lodge No. 23 located at 330 Auburn Avenue Atlanta, Georgia. The late Great John Wesley Dobbs was serving as The Most Honorable Grand Master for The Jurisdiction of Georgia and the late Great Past Master D. L. Johnson was Worshipful Master of H. R. Butler. Brother Thomas was one of the most faithful and dedicated Brothers in Masonry. In his early years as a Mason, he regularly attended his Lodge meetings on the first and third Fridays of every month. Once he arrived at the Lodge, he was always eager to serve in any capacity needed. His pride and joy were to sit in the Chaplain’s seat if the Chaplain was not present. As Acting Chaplain, he would sometimes lead us in songs that he was the only one who knew the words to. In addition, he was very sincere when he led us in Prayer. He was an avid supporter of any function that the Lodge would be participating in which included all fundraisers. Even in his later years whenever he couldn’t make it to the Lodge, he would contact the late Past Master Tommy Adams to come pick up his check to pay his yearly Dues.  One of his greatest accomplishments was when he became a Gold Card Member in April of 2012. Gold Cards are awarded to those brothers who have been dedicated for 35 consecutive years. Brother Louis Thomas Jr. has served faithfully for forty- seven (47) years.

Brother Thomas, for those of us who knew you, we also knew your Grandson who lives in Florida. We could not have a conversation with you without hearing about your Grandson in Florida. If he is anything like his grandfather, he is bound for Greatness. We are truly going to miss our in-person conversations with you but more especially we are going to miss those lengthy telephone conversations with you!

“Sleep on Our Brother and take your rest, we Love you but The Grand Architect of the Universe Love You best”.

Humbly Submitted by Your Brothers

of Your Prince Hall Masonic Family of

H. R. Butler Lodge No. 23

Worshipful Master Brother T. Harold Walters II       

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