He was born to the late Nathaniel and Elma Thomas in a small town named Derry, St. Mary, Jamaica
on September 10, 1935. He grew up with his 4 brothers and 3 sisters. He had a strong work ethic that
he instilled in all 5 of his children, Leroy, Pauline, Beverly, Martin, and Una.
Leaving Jamaica in mid-1965, Neville moved to Springfield, Massachusetts where he worked at Mercy
Hospital for many years, and was an independent contractor carpenter. In his pass time, he loved being
the Umpire for cricket at Blunt Park on Sundays. He enjoyed gardening, building and family time. After
21 years in the North, he decided in the late 1980's to move south to Georgia. He worked as an
independent contractor and for Moody Air Force Base. He continued living in Georgia and decided to
officially retire in 2009. He still did odd and end jobs for family and friends because he was “Neville the
Builder”. Neville married Rhema Thomas in 2010, and continued living in Georgia. He found volunteer work
to keep him occupied during retirement. He was an avid volunteer at Sacred Journey Hospice in
McDonough, Ga from 2016 until April 2020 when he became sick. He attended Cornerstone Bible Church
every Sunday. He was also a Mason. Wherever he went, he made lifelong friends with people, always
helping and giving words of advice. He is predeceased by all of his siblings and he is the last of the Thomas siblings. He will be missed but always loved and in our hearts. Neville is survived by his caring wife Rhema Thomas; five children, Leroy (Bernice) Thomas of Springfield, Ma; Pauline Forbes of Montego Bay, Jamaica; Beverly Thomas of Springfield, Ma; Martin Thomas of St. Ann Jamaica; Una (Jason) Bradshaw of Martinsville, Virginia; four step children George, Rose, Marcia, and Carlene. Combined, Neville and Rhema have 30 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Special thanks to his brother-n-law Eton Hilary who took care of him every day until his eparture. “Mandee”, we thank you. He also leaves his dog “Trixie” who is missing him dearly. Special family The McKen’s, Bruce, Tameka, Jayden, Brooke, and life-long friends, Admiral and Jeff. He will always love you.
