Ronald Lee Thomas

On Wednesday evening, March 18, 2015, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend Ronald Lee Thomas transitioned from labor to reward, to walk the streets of glory with our heavenly father.

Ronald Thomas was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 26, 1956. Ron was the third child from the union of the late William James Thomas and Monzero (Williams) Leak. Outgoing and hardworking at a young age, Ron began touching the lives of people at every place he worked when he was hired as a store clerk at Bright's Grocery at 11 years old. Raised by a mother who cemented his spiritual upbringing, he attended Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church and sang on the prestigious and renowned Philadelphia Boys' Choir.

Ron graduated from one of the top high schools in the city, George Washington High School. He put his skills to work, becoming a supervisor for ADT Security Services. Later in life Ron would go further in higher education, obtaining a Bachelor's of Science degree in Business Administration from the Pennsylvania College of Technology, an affiliate of Penn State University. In moving from Pennsylvania to Maryland, he served with distinction as an employee of Frito-Lay for 21 years.

His wife, Darcel Uvette Thomas, known affectionately to all of us as Neacie, was the love of Ron's life for over 40 years. To know Ron was to know his eternal and enduring love for Neacie, who would be with him faithfully at his side to his heavenly transition. Their union was blessed with 2 children, Jamar La'Ron Smith and Ronise La'Vette Thomas, and 3 grandchildren, Shaun, Gianna, and Genesys.
Ron's energy was infectious. He was noticed upon entering a room without saying anything. Comfortable in his own skin, he was unafraid to share his personality in any environment. Yet his unique ability to connect with everyone, along with a gifted sense of humor, allowed him to lift the spirits of all those around him. His style, which would put Steve Harvey to shame, was his and he wore it handsomely and proudly.

Ron also leaves behind five brothers – Reginald, Steven, Gregory, Lawrence, and Tyrone; two sisters – Deborah and Jennise; a mother-in-law – Maudie Smith; three brother-in-laws – Paul, Reginald, and Alvin; three sister-in laws – Rosalind, Tasha, and Floretta; one daughter-in-law, Ashley; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, family members and friends.