Fred was educated in the Lee County Public School system in South Carolina. At the tender age of 17, Fred had to take on the role as a father-like figure for his siblings when his dad passed away in 1960.
While living in Lee County, South Carolina, Fred met Alberta Coker, they married in October 1961 (1961 – 1974). The couple had three lovely children, Alfred (1963), Roberta (1964), Jeanette (1965) during their time in South Carolina. In 1965, the couple moved to Baltimore, MD, where they had their youngest son, Darryl (1967). During his time in Baltimore, Fred held jobs at Mrs. Filberts, Carr-Lowery Glass Company, and General Motors to support his family. When the couple parted ways in 1974, Fred continued to live in Maryland, eventually moving to Washington, D.C. to be near his mother and siblings who had moved there.
In October 1978, Fred started working for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) as a Bus Driver and Instructor. While working as a bus driver, he met Philomenia Jones, which lead to their marriage in May 1985 (1985-2000). Through their marriage, Fred gained two bonus children, stepson, Larry Jones and stepdaughter, Ronnica Brown. In 1986, the couple was blessed with a son, Fred Thomas III.
After 25 years of service at Metro, Fred retired and moved to Rocky Mount, NC. Shortly after moving, Fred started his own photography business taking pictures for events throughout the state of North Carolina and beyond. He loved to travel as he set sail on the Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage Cruises multiple times and visited various casinos across the country with several of his friends and family. Fred also enjoyed playing cards, spending time with friends, family, and in-laws, going on road trips up and down I-95, listening to music, talking about politics and current events, and watching news and sports on TV.
Fred was known by both family and friends as being loving, fun, wise, witty, patient, and hard-working. He loved to laugh, have fun, travel, attend a good party, and he deeply loved his friends and family. During his time at Metro, he was also an active participant in the Southeast Garage’s softball league. Above all of those things, he was always stylish in his dress and his fashion was impeccable.
Fred was preceded in death by parents, Fred Thomas Sr. and Sallie Mae Thomas; brother, Johnson Thomas; sister, Enzil Mae Thomas-Tabor; brothers-in-law, Freddie Johnson and Johnny Briggs; daughter, Jeanette Thomas-Durant Hinton; and sons, Alfred Thomas and Darryl Thomas.
He leaves to cherish and celebrate his memory, his children Roberta Thomas of South Carolina; Fred Thomas III (Jerrel), of Georgia, his siblings, Fannie Johnson of Maryland; Claretha Best (Jerome) of Maryland; Sally Briggs of Washington, DC; Roosevelt Thomas of Delaware; Sylvia Thomas of Maryland; Viola Cousin (Henry) of Maryland; Ruth Thomas of Maryland; Ruby Briggs (Jimmy) of Maryland, Sister-In-Law Maggie Thomas of South Carolina, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Service Information:
Friday, October 16, 2020
Wake - 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
**Note: The wake is open to all visitors. Due to COVID-19, masks are required and no more than 50 people are allowed in the building at a given time.**
Saturday, October 17, 2020
Visitation - 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Celebration of Life Service - 1:30 PM
**Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Funeral will be reserved for family only**
Fort Lincoln Funeral Home and Cemetery
3401 Bladensburg Rd.
Brentwood, MD 20722
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fort-lincoln.com for the Thomas family.
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