Charles Wayne Thomas Sr.

He was born in Tennessee, the only child of Joe Fred and Birdielee Thomas. He married, moved and raised his family in Maryland with his wife of 60 years, Clara Nina Thomas. They had 4 children: Charlotte Lee Holt (husband Howie), Monica Lynn Kenny (husband John), Susan Linette Zickmann (husband Steven) and Charles (Chuck) Wayne Thomas Jr. (wife Crystal). He had 5 grandchildren: Samantha Grace Chwatt (husband Corey), Caroline Paige Holt, Cailyn Sierra Thomas, John Stephen Kenny Jr., Gabriella Corrinne Zickmann and Zachary Thomas Zickmann.

Charles lovingly cared for Clara through a decades-long battle with Parkinson’s Disease and continued to be her loyal spouse and best friend, but she predeceased him in 2014. In 2017, he married Essie, an old friend who had similarly lost her spouse to Parkinson’s Disease. The two couples had been friends for over 50 years and Charles and Essie were fortunate enough to find love again and be able to share the love of each other’s families.

Charles served in the Army during the Korean War. In Maryland, he owned and ran a moving and storage company. Charles was an avid Ravens fan. In fact, he enjoyed almost any sport he could see on TV or follow in the papers. He could amaze friends and relatives by reciting sports statistics. Charles played football in his youth, later coached basketball and enjoyed many years of working with young people.

Commitment and faith were at the center of Charles’ life. He was a devoted Christian and dedicated spouse, father, grandfather, and friend. His attitude and demeanor exemplified what it means to live in Christ. Charles had a warm handshake and smile for everyone he met. His energy and enthusiasm will long be remembered.

Charles’ visitation will be held Friday, September 30th from 5pm to 7pm at the Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park, 7250 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, Maryland. His funeral will commence at 10:00 am Saturday October 1st at the same location where he will be laid to rest with Clara.