From former RCTC Board Member / Rancho Tennis Fam, Stephanie Vaughn: “My heart is heavy … I made attempts in 2016 and 2017 to contact Charles.  He was truly a treasure (and yes the pun is intended) because Charles had a sense of humor.  I hope Charles is playing tennis with Bill and other Tennis Family on God’s tennis courts.

Charles was like a second father to me. My sister and I used to play at Rancho in 83 up to the mid 90's. He mentored me and shared the love of tennis with us. Back then we were the babies of the park. So he was always watching over us. I still stop by the park to this day every time that I am in town looking for him and others who watch me grow up. Thank you for all the love and support you gave me through the years. I will miss you my friend. Love Vanessa Makle

A man whose sincere kindness can never be challenged. He gave his time freely as an unpaid hitting coach to many LA tennis.kids His engaging smile served as a magnet to many kids who endured his hitting sessions 🎾🎾🎾My condolences my brotha RIH


When I was a junior tennis player Charles was always kind to me. He was always available to hit after school. He was a specialist with kids. After I graduated from college and returned to Rancho. He was still hitting with the kids. He gave back to the community the best way he could. His passion in my opinion was to help the youth. I wish that I could be like you. Rest up Charles you’ve earned your wings🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

I remember when you and Gene Benday were the kings of the hill. You, Frank Simmons, Rose, Roadrunner, and so many others would come out in the late afternoons play doubles and talk much trash. Miss those days. See you one day in Tennis Heaven buddy.  
Marvin 

We spoke often over the years and Charles was always upbeat and positive. I haven’t seen him in years but knowing that I’ve seen him for the last time makes me sad. 
My condolences. 

Your star will always glow brightly for the unselfish love and willingness to service young people in the tennis community.  We saw your work, we know the difficulty of being a change agent, and your legacy lives.   

Rest in Peace.  You will surely be missed.  Thank you for starting the junior Scholarship fund at Rancho. Thank you for taking care of the juniors.  Love Phyllis and Toussaint.

Rest in peace. You are surely missed. Thank you for starting our junior scholarship fund. Thank you for taking care of the juniors at Rancho Cienega Tennis Club

Charles Thomas, known in the LA tennis scene as "Mr. Backhand", but much more than that, he was known as a man of goodwill, kindness  and integrity, always there when you needed him. Although I haven't seen him in many years, I have great respect for the man that he was. He will truly be missed.

So sorry to hear this. One of the good guys. A very kind person.

I will always remember Charles as a man of honor, a man of his word, a man who was always available to assist.  Charles was one of the main reasons I became a board member of the tennis club.  Charles was dedicated to the children with his time and money.  My husband, Hubert and I enjoyed his friendship. Charles was a wonderful man, I was truly blessed to know him.



Charles Thomas

Rancho Cienega Tennis Club Resolution of Respect for Charles Thomas.
No matter what your trials are, or how big your mountain seems;
The Lord is there to see you through; He’ll go to all extremes.
So if you cross seems hard to bear, and you know not what to do;
The One who loves you most of all will be there to see you through.

We, the members of Rancho Cienega Tennis Club, want the family to know that  
Our hearts are with you as you gather to bid good-bye to our dear friend, Charles Thomas, who was a past officer, board member, and longtime treasurer of the Rancho Cienega Tennis Club.

WHEREAS
Charles Thomas professed a hope and joy in tennis and worked hard to promote his community tennis club.  He was the founder of the Rancho Cienega ‘s Tennis Club Junior Scholarship Program.
You could find Charles working out with the juniors every day in the afternoon.

WEHEAS 
He was a regular supporter of Juniors Tennis Programs, Community Tournaments, Team Tennis and the Pacific Coast Championship.

WHEREAS
Charles Thomas was one of the founding members of the Jackie Tatum Tennis Classic at Rancho Cienega Sports Complex.
WHEREAS
Charles Thomas was a man who loved tennis. A very independent person who would perform many task to motivate his fellow club members to participate in Rancho Cienega Tennis Club.

WHEREAS
Not only is this a loss of an awesome tennis friend and a person who was always available to share an encouraging word and demonstrate strong support.

WHEREAS
The passing of our beloved Charles Thomas is the will of God and there is a human tie that has been broken which bleeds the heart in agony and pain.
We are encouraged and consoled in the words of Jesus who said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake them”.



THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
That we embrace the family because all of us have a common bond that will connect us for the rest of your lives.  We can’t replace Charles Thomas, but will attempt to demonstrate his love for you.

BE IT FURTH

Charles, 
I will always treasure the time that we spent on the Rancho Board.  I always admired your dedication and support that you gave.  
My condolences for the family.  God Bless!!!  

OBITUARY

Charles Hudson Thomas Sr

October 16, 1945 – March 6, 2022

Gates, Kingsley & Gates Smith Salsbury Funeral Directors

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