RODERICK WAYNE THOMAS

     Roderick Wayne Thomas, better known as “Wayne,” passed away after a brief illness. He was 63 years old.

     A graduate of King High School, Wayne passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, 11 a. m. at Ray Williams Memorial Chapel. (See Funeral Notices for additional information)

     With a very quiet and calming demeanor, Wayne spent 34 years at Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club as an Expeditor.

      Along with his loving family, his many friends are also saddened by his passing. He enjoyed sports, reading, photography and mentoring his grandson.

A Letter To Our Friend

Dear Roderick,

    I met you during the early days at Sligh Jr. High in the 7th grade. From that first day, we all became best friends until the end. We were known as the “fellows.” High school days were a blur, because we had so much fun and made so much money having parties and fashion shows, people wouldn’t believe we did all that unless we did a Spotlight movie.

    I remember the day I was leaving for college and we looked at each other, saying -our hanging every day is coming to an end. I remember you saying, “Take care of yourself and I don’t think I will be going to college, but I will be bringing college to me.  A University which consists of buildings with books, I’m bringing books to me.”

  I can honestly say, Roderick Wayne Thomas read over 3,000 books. The man was simply a GENIUS… A Katt Williams like story. Really Unbelievable!  He would call sometimes and say, “I just read, “YEN: The Threat of Japan’s Financial Empire.”  Roderick was GOOGLE before the information website came about.  You can call Wayne about anything.

    Unfortunately, as we grew older and the fellows started having families and moving to other cities, the calls became less and less. The only times we’d see each other would be at a funeral.  We all would look at each other and say, “We need to check with each other on a regular basis.” It never materialized. “The Fellows” were no longer close. Drifted in the sunset. Now, here we are again…

      So here’s to you Roderick, ‘We love you brother’ – from Drew, Michael, Jose, Teddy P, Donnell, Bennie, Myron, James, Pete, Jerry, Claude, Terry, Dapp, Ernest, Tommy and Mark – We all say, ‘Rest in Peace, Roderick – Love you bruh.’

    Oh, tell my mother, father, Craig, Shelton, Byron, Dennis, Mike, Toby – Hello.