Rodney Vincent Thomas

Rodney Vincent Thomas known by family members as "Skipper" and as "Rod T" by friends was born on January 1st 1956 in Houston, Texas to Theo Lee Sr. and Eddie Mae Thomas. He was the first child of this union as well as the first baby born in the year 1956 in Houston Texas. He always said that people around the world celebrated his birthday. He came into this world as a "firecracker" so to speak, but there are so many things that we as his family would like to share with you. He accepted Jesus Christ as a young man and was baptized by the late Reverend Leo Daniels of Greater Jerusalem Baptist Church of Houston, TX. He later became a member of First Missionary Baptist Church with his family under the leadership of the late Reverend G.E. Moore. He attended high school at Houston Technical Institute where he met his future wife Frances M. Smith and from this union 4 beautiful children were born. He attended Texas Southern University where he studied Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, and later returned to give back by teaching summer classes to middle school students. Rodney also taught technical classes at the former Massey Business College of Houston where he was instrumental in introducing many students to the burgeoning world of Information Technology. Rodney was a musician, an avid golfer, fisherman, gardener, mechanic, a lover of fast cars, old western movies, Budweiser and astronomy. He was also the founder of two very successful companies, RT Data Consultants, and NEXTEP Solutions where he served as President and CEO. He was a true Renaissance man, a "Jack of all trades"... One of his greatest accomplishments in his life was restoring his classic 1969 Black and Silver Mustang he named Eddie Mae. He along with the family spent hours and hours restoring Eddie Made to her former glory. He loved working with his hands and being that he was extremely intelligent he could pick up a book, read it and be able to apply the concepts he learned with little to no effort. There was no puzzle that he could not solve. He received numerous awards in academics throughout his life and was an honored alumnus of the Houston Boy's Choir which was something he was exceptionally proud of. He loved music and he loved to perform. One of his greatest moments was when he "performed" an impromptu concert with B.B. King in San Antonio. He passed on his joy of music to all 4 children and his 3 grandchildren. From Ray Charles to George Strait and Frank Sinatra to James Brown, and the Mighty Clouds of Joy there was always music in the Thomas household. Stemming from his lifelong love of music he learned several different instruments from the piano to the guitar and was also a member of a band. Rodney loved to surprise his family and one of his favorite times to do so was on Christmas morning. He was the epitome of making a way out of no way; he made it happen. He worked hard and loved life. He was never satisfied with mediocre; he worked hard so he could play hard and passed that mindset on to his children. Above all he loved his family and always challenged each and every one of us to pursue excellence. He was a leader and was never afraid to be himself. In death he is survived by his wife of 41 years Frances M. Thomas; 4 children Rodney N. "Nick" Thomas, Kristy N. Thomas, Fallon V. "Neecy" Thomas and Vincent R. "Vinnie" Thomas Grandchildren Aaron M. Warren, Ruby R. Warren and Tabitha L. Thomas Mother Eddie Mae Thomas Siblings Jacqueline "Jackie" Thomas and Troy L. Thomas (Earlie) And a host of Aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Theo Lee Thomas Sr. , brother Theo Lee Thomas Jr., grandparents Mose Thomas and Emma Villair Thomas, Irkward and Roberta Wilson