Ronald Lloyd Thomas Sr.

Ronald Lloyd Thomas, Sr. departed this life on March 5, 2022, at his home in Western Cranston, Rhode Island at the age of eighty-five. Left to mourn his passing are his wife of 35 years, Dorothy O. Thomas (Mangum), Dorothy's father Samuel Corry of Providence, RI, Dorothy's daughter Brittie D. Taylor, and Brittie's son Terrell Thomas Taylor of Western Cranston, RI. He was born to Elizabeth L. Brown and Adelbert F. Thomas on April 13, 1936. Survived by one sister, Eleanor J. Thomas, and predeceased by Elizabeth Thomas, Joshua Thomas, Allen Thomas, Raymond Thomas, Joel N. Thomas, and Eloise Powers. Ronald's adult children with former wife Mary V. Thomas: Periane Thomas (Vanda Veiga) of Rumford, RI; Ronetta J. Ross (Michael Ross) of Gladstone, MO; and Ronald L. Thomas, Jr. (Denise Thomas) of Pawtucket, RI. Grandchildren: Vanessa A. Meattey (Dominic Meattey and great granddaughter Janelle Meattey) of Sullivan, NH; Ronald L. Thomas, III of Providence, RI; Christian D. Vargas (Genesis Vargas) of Smithfield, RI; Sa'Renna N. Thomas of Orlando, FL; Harper M. Ross of Gladstone, MO; and Stephon X. Thomas of Pawtucket. Nieces Yvonne Brown, Donna Scott (Elder Wm. Scott), Maya Breuer, (Stephen Casserly). Great nieces and nephews Craig Powers; Brandy Blackstone (Brian Blackstone), James, Jasmine, Jacob, and Emmie Kline; Angela Fears (Stacie Schiable); Sean Hillyard; Noel Priestas (Patrick Priestas, Finnegan); David Brown; Sonja Silvia-Wilkin (Marc Wilkins), Kristen Silvia-Finch, Jordan Finch, Enjoli Thomas; great-great nephew, Lucas Fears.

A graduate of Central High School and Johnson & Wales University, Ronald began his career in 1963, at Narragansett Electric Company (NELCO) in customer service and became Director of Personnel. He was promoted to Division Director of National Grid (formerly NELCO) before his retirement. During his revered tenure, the name Ron Thomas became synonymous with cultivating a wide range of growth opportunities for employees and paving the way for countless people to secure gainful employment with NELCO.

A God fearing, church going man, Ronny loved and honored his family and was highly regarded by all who met him. He joined the choir and became director of the youth choir at the age of twelve. His other roles included tenor in the quartet the Golden Stars and becoming director of the adult choirs (Southern Jubilee Singers and the Echoes of Melody) before completing high school. Ron also played semi-pro football for the Providence Steamrollers and served as coach for many RI youth teams. 

Ronald Thomas participated in various capacities on boards who were committed to bettering the lives of their population. Ron was a stalwart steward and committed when it came to serving the community. He was an advisor and board member for several community organizations dedicated to uplifting nurturing and encouraging people throughout all phases of their lives. He served on the board of the John Hope Settlement Center as well as others. He recognized that advancement only comes with access to opportunity, and he worked tirelessly to provide those types of necessary resources for everyone. Even after retirement many still sought his wise counsel and wisdom.

After joining the US Army, Ron was sought out to entertain the troops with his athleticism in basketball, football, baseball, and boxing. He then joined the 7th Army Choir and performed throughout Europe. In various settings Ronald Thomas was referred to as Ronny, Ron, or Mr. Thomas. Ron and his wife Dot loved to travel; they traveled internationally to Italy, France, Greece, and spent time in Hawaii. He had an amazing tenor voice, was soft spoken and carried himself like the gentle man, he always was. Ronald Lloyd Thomas, Sr. will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Service

Monday, March 14, 2022

Truth Tabernacle

542 Potters Avenue Providence, RI 02907

Viewing - 10:00-11:00 am

Funeral Service - 11:00 am-12:30 pm

Burial Immediately Following Service

Swan Point Cemetery 

585 Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI 02906

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

First Tabernacle  105 Dodge St, Providence, RI 02907 

Allen AME Church 161 Bellevue Ave, Providence, RI 02907

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.