SSgt. Ernest Ray Thomas, USA Ret.

Ernest Ray Thomas was born on September 21, 1960, in Memphis, Tennessee, to his parents, A.D. Thomas and Rosa-Pearline Motley (nee Thomas), both of whom preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his two younger sisters, Linda and Roszina Motley; his parents-in-law, George and Cornelia Washington; and his brothers-in-law, Jerome, Reginald, and Kenneth. 

Ernest graduated from Hamilton High School in 1978 with a full scholarship for Track and Field. Instead of accepting the Scholarship, Ernest chose to begin his twenty-year-long career serving in the U.S Army, during which he received numerous awards and a rank of Staff Sergeant. After serving in both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, SSgt. Thomas retired as a decorated soldier with an honorable discharge in 1998. Following his military service as a war veteran, SSgt. Thomas continued to work with the US military as a contractor, transporting supplies and vehicles for troops overseas for another 22 years, dedicating 42 years of hard work and sacrifice to his country.

 On June 18, 1988, Ernest and Thelmond Washington chose to journey through life together as husband and wife, and the two shared a blessed union until Ernest’s home-calling on June 10, 2026. Together, they raised four children alongside several close nieces and nephews who regarded them as extended parents.  

Ernest is remembered by a host of family and friends for his love for music, wise words, kind heart, witty remarks, and love for life. He was a husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend to many, and his legacy lives on with those who loved and cherished his time here on Earth. He may be gone, but he is never forgotten and forever missed. His time with us may have been temporary, but what a blessing it was to know such a wonderful soul.  

Ernest is fondly remembered as “Daddy” by his children, “Pawpaw” by his grandchildren, “Uncle Tom” by his nieces and nephews, “Ray” by his siblings, and “Tom-Cat” by his fellow soldiers.  

Ernest’s legacy lives on with his wife, Thelmond Thomas; his four children, Aldrialia “Princess”, Anthony “Ant”, Alexus “Tugabear”, and Tierra “TeeTee”; his niece April “Big Girl”; his four grandchildren, Princess “Smoke-Train”, Joseph “Catdaddy”, Akelius “AJ”, and Aracelli “Little Queen”; his father, Willie Motley (Geneva); his two sisters, Trinda Starks (Eric), and Vernita “Fatcat” Jarmon; his brother, Sammy Ray Owens; siblings-in-law, George “Big Shot” (Fain), Jeffrey, Hosea (Jenny), Kershaw (Dale), Rayve (Evelyn), Joseph (Kimberly), Christopher (Nellie), Wertley, and his best friend and sister-in-law, Diane; special extended grandson, Lamarr; his two goddaughters, Tonya Morris and Alissa Williams; special niece, Shavonne Walker; his adopted family, Shemekia Rogers and her three children, Selena, Kristina, and Ka’Miyah. His family gives special thanks and acknowledgement to Ernest’s longtime friend and son, Michael Thomas.    

A service to celebrate and honor SSgt. Thomas's life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2026, at Whiting's Funeral Home, with a viewing beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment w/ Military Honors will take place in New Quarter Baptist Church Cemetery.

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