Johnny Thomas Sr.

Mr. Johnny L. Thomas Sr. passed away June 2, 2014 unexpectedly at home. Johnny was born in Pittsview, Alabama on November 13, 1940 to Matthew Thomas and Annie W. Gaines.
He graduated from Pittsview High School and relocated to Saginaw, Michigan in 1962 for work. He began working for General Motors at the Powertrain Malleable Iron Plant. He soon married Bonnie Hill and they raised three children. Johnny excelled and worked his way from the assembly line to Quality Auditor. He always wanted to better himself and later obtained a degree in small engine repair. He served as Co-Editor of the United Auto Workers paper at GM and made many lifelong friends. After 40 years, he retired on January 1st, 2003. He accepted Christ and became a faithful member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. John also enjoyed singing. He was an active member of the Male Chorus and Mass Choir. He was well known for his rendition of Wrapped Up/Tied Up and Power. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing dominoes and loved people. Johnny will be remembered for his distinctive laugh and good natured spirit. He truly never met a stranger. Johnny served as Deacon at his church and assisted whenever he could. He was a meticulous dresser, loved good food and wanted everyone around him to have fun. With a presence that could fill a room, he will be missed in the lives of all that knew and loved him.
Johnny leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 49 years, Bonnie; his children, Johnny Jr. (Trudy) of Kansas City, Missouri, Monica (Donald) of Indianapolis, Indiana, Avery (Franchelle) of Farmington, Michigan; his granddaughters, Brianna Thomas and Detreanna Davis of Indianapolis, Indiana; his sisters and brothers, Clara (Leon) Davis of Las Vegas, Nevada, Nozie Bell (George) Pearce of Chicago, Illinois, Georgia Gaines of Blue Island, Illinois, Geneva (Lonnie) Williams of Saginaw, Michigan, Ray Henderson of Flint, Michigan, Larry Henderson of Columbus, Georgia and Geraldine (Maurice) Southern all of Saginaw, Michigan. In his passing, he also leaves his father, Ike Sims of Saginaw, Michigan; aunts, Alberta (Rev. Johnnie) Walton of Phenix City, Alabama, Annie Blanding of Pittsview, Alabama, Jessie (William) Alexander of Perry, Florida, Annie P. Cobb of East Chicago, Indiana, Jennie Gaines of Saginaw, Michigan; one uncle, James C. Day of Hampstead, New York; mother-in-law, Ophelia Hill of Saginaw, Michigan; sister-in-law, Charlene (Daniel) Still of Saginaw, Michigan; a friend of many years, Ned Lewis of Saginaw, Michigan; nine other grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Annie Sims, uncle, Rev. Robert Gaines and many other special loved ones.
The family wishes to thank everyone who offered kind words, prayers and condolences to our family during this difficult time.
Visitation: Paradise Funeral Chapel Obituaries
Service Plans: Paradise Funeral Chapel Obituaries