Richard Edward Thomas, Sr. departed this life and was received by God on November 1, 2013. Richard, the beloved son of the late Phillip Thomas Sr. and Hazel A. Thomas was born on September 20, 1937 in Calvert County, Maryland.

Richard was educated in the Calvert County Public School system. On May 1, 1958 Richard was joined in Holy Matrimony to Loretta C. Thomas who preceded him in death. Richard obtained his commercial driver's license at an early age and became a chauffeur for the President and CEO of Carter Industry Corporation for over 25 years. Richard then became a Foreman at the Maryland Applicators Drywall Company where he retired. Richard received Christ as his personal savior in 1957 and he became a member of Galilee Baptist Church in 2001 where he was baptized.

Richard loved cleaning his car, reading his bible, attending quartet concerts and listening to gospel music. Among his favorite groups were the Sanctuary Choir, Canton Spirituals, the Mighty Clouds of Joy, and Slim Supreme and the Angels. His favorite songs included I Won't Complain, Precious Lord Take My Hand and Walk Around Heaven All Day. Richard's favorite football team was the "Washington Redskins."

Richard continued his love for chauffeur service by providing transportation service to family, friends and the community until he departed this life.

Richard leaves to cherish his beautiful nine children: Rhonda Thomas, Richard Thomas Jr., Tammy Owens (Paul), Rodney Thomas (Barbara), Adriainie Thomas (Marvin), Pamela Berry (Joseph), Wanda Ashe-Roberts (Arthur), Emory Thomas and Kimberly Thomas; six sisters, Louise Thomas, Rebecca Thomas, Elizabeth Thomas, Charlotte Thomas, Phyllis Thomas, Hazel D. Thomas; two brothers, Phillip Thomas (Eunice deceased) and Lemuel Thomas (Georgia); fifteen great-grandchildren, Corey Thomas (Tiara), Andre Thomas, Andrew Thomas, Tinesha Thomas, Jemall Thomas, Jordann Thomas, Rodney Thomas Jr., Kevin Thomas, Raymond Thomas, Jesse Thomas, Latasha Thomas, Tronta Gantt, Joseph Berry III, Jocelyn Berry and Dorien Minor; seven great-grandchildren: Jazmine Thomas, Jalen Thomas, Tamia Thomas, Jurnee Thomas, J'vion Thomas, India Thomas, Amir Thomas and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his lovely ex-wife Loretta C. Thomas, his daughter Doretta Ann Thomas and his parents Phillip Thomas Sr. and Hazel A. Thomas.

Richard was truly loved by many and he will be sadly missed by all. Arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home.