Walter Gilbert "Big Walt" Thomas Jr.

On October 29, 1961 in Galveston, Texas, the world was blessed by God with the birth of Walter Gilbert Thomas, Jr. He was born to the union of Walter Gilbert Thomas Sr. and Elizabeth Knight Thomas. “Big Walt” as he was lovingly called, was educated in the public schools of Galveston, Texas. He was a proud 1980 graduate of Ball High School and was a member of the 1980 20-4A undefeated Basketball Champs of Ball High.  He was proud of his Alma Mater – The Ball High Tors and his favorite colors, of course, are Purple and Gold. At an early age, he was baptized at West Point Baptist Church in Galveston and he continued his Christian walk with the Lord and united with Greater St. Matthews Baptist Church in Hitchcock under the leadership of Pastor William L. Randall, Jr. Walter was a hard-working man and loved his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a 20 year veteran of TDC – TDC Carol Ann Young Unit where he was SGT-3.  He  was former General Manager of What-a-burger in La Marque.   In his leisure time, he would bar-be-que and make his world famous Boudain Balls.  He loved to travel with his loving wife whom he fondly called “Honey” across the United States (East Coast to West Coast) and his pride and joy were his grandchildren and watching them playing sports. Walter is preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and Walter Thomas Sr.; his sisters, Betty Thomas and Jackie Walker and step-sister, Loretta Foley. Left to cherish memories of his life are his loving and devoted wife of 22 years, Jocelyn Thomas; his children, K-Yana Lawrence (Archie), Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kevin Davis (Miranda), Laure Venible, Ker-Shenda Holiday (Eddie Gitry), Kimberly Holmes (Bryan) and Walter Thomas III; a granddaughter her reared as his own daughter, A-Kira Goree and Godson, Rashard Crayton; his sister, Darlene Hill; step-sisters, Jolyn Johnson and Doris Foley; aunt, Emily Holland; uncle; Amos Knight; a very devoted cousin, Edward Knight; 22 grandchildren; devoted friends, Paulette Roberson and Paula Ann Johnson; devoted sisters- and brothers-in-law, Doris Edwards, Mary Etienne; Lionel Fields, Jerry Fields, Michael Fields and a host of nieces, nephews, family members and friends.