Elmore McClellan Thomas, Jr.

Elmore M. Thomas Jr. was born in Paris, Kentucky August 3, 1941 to Elmore M. Thomas Sr. (Sonny) and Nancy Downey. He lived with and was raised by his grandparents and special aunt.

He graduated from Western High School where he played basketball in Paris, Kentucky. He got married right after high school to Callottie Thomas and they had 2 children. They moved to Dayton, Ohio to find work. He later had three more children. Elmore was married for 16 years. Years after his marriage ended, he had another daughter whom he raised as a single parent.

Elmore worked for Dayton Tire Rubber as a machinist for 10 years. He also worked at Fairfield Manufactory Company for 5 years. Elmore went on to pursue his art work which was his passion.

For the last 14 years he had been married to a longtime friend Shirley Cox Thomas and loved her family as his own. He loved listening, to CDs of all kinds; specifically Jazz and Gospel music which he played loudly in his car. He also enjoyed spending time with family, especially the trips to Gatlinburg.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: William and Ida Downey; special aunt, Virginia Downey; father, Elmore M. Thomas Sr.; mother, Nancy Arnold; first wife, Callottie Thomas; sister, Candace Ford; daughter, Latonya Thomas Jefferson and granddaughter, Latisha Thomas Dozier.

He leaves to cherish his memory: wife, Shirley Thomas of Dayton, ,QH; one brother, Dwayne Arnold of Dayton, OH; three sisters, Sherrie (Mumbaji) Johnson, Mia Arnold of Houston, TX and Bonnie Arnold of Atlanta, GA; two sons, Elmore M. (Stephanie) Thomas III of Cincinnati, OH and Dutch (Lee Anna) Thomas of Waco, TX; three daughters, Carla (James) Brooks of Clayton, OH, Rhonda (Charles) Sneed of West Chester, OH and Brittany Thomas of Dayton, Ohio,; extended family, Kim Smith, Marvel Johnson of Dayton, OH, Lucious Cox of North, Carolina; 15 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, extended family of 10 grands/great grandchildren; special uncle, Wallace Downey; special friends, Carl & Renna Bertsche and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

His journey through his illness was 3 months long and hard but, he fought the good fight, he kept the faith, and finished his course until the Lord called him home on Sunday night May 7, 2023 surrounded by his family. To God be the Glory!!!

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