Honor Roy L. Thomas

Senate Resolution No. 3790 BY: Senator LITTLE MOURNING the death of Roy L. Thomas, devoted family man, meritorious veteran, and Community Development Director for the City of Glens Falls WHEREAS, It is with profound intent that this Legislative Body is moved to pay homage to a man of indomitable faith and dedication whose purposeful life and accomplishments will forever stand as a paradigm and inspiration for others; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to give acclaim to individuals of great character whose lives exemplify the highest ideals of humanity; and WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body records the passing of Roy L. Thomas, who died on Wednesday, January 31,

2018, at the age of 79, noting the loss of a citizen whose purposeful life and endeavors contributed so much to the quality of life in his community; and WHEREAS, Roy L. Thomas was born to the late Deroy and Julia (Hardy) Thomas on July 26, 1938, in Forest, Mississippi; after graduating from E.T. Hawkins High School in 1957, he attended Rhoads College Prep School in New York City; through the years, he furthered his education by successfully completing numerous continuing education and job-related seminars, a speed-reading course and lead hazard visual assessment; and WHEREAS, Always eager to learn, Roy L. Thomas also took classes at Adirondack Community College in Queensbury, Roanoke Schools of Syracuse, State University of New York at Buffalo, and University of Maryland Business Extension Business School; and WHEREAS, In May of 1958, Roy L. Thomas enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country as a cryptographic operator with top-secret crypto security clearance; and WHEREAS, After his discharge in May of 1962, Roy L. Thomas went to work for Ciba-Geigy, Inc. for 22 years; he was then hired as Community Development Director for the City of Glens Falls; during this time, he also owned and operated Demitrius Enterprises; and WHEREAS, As Community Development Director, Roy L. Thomas actively and enthusiastically participated in nearly all of the functions of the City of Glens Falls including housing, loans, recreation, water, sewer, sidewalks, statues, historic buildings, land purchases and sales, housing purchases, sales, demolition, rehabilitation, businesses, finances, audits, Community Action Agency, senior citizens, children, YMCA, blighted business buildings, handicapped, economic development, beautification, health and safety, and other agencies effecting low- to moderate-income families; and WHEREAS, In addition to his role as Community Development Director, Roy L. Thomas was a vital member of the Glens Falls Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church; Senate Lodge No. 456 Free and Accepted Masons, the Masonic Order of Queensbury Lodge No. 121, Warrensburg Chapter, 325 Royal Arch Masons, member of the Lodge Council Chapter Consistory Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Schenectady, and a 32 Degree Mason; and the Queensbury American Legion Post No. 1797; and WHEREAS, Roy L. Thomas helped found and held numerous leadership positions within his local NAACP chapter including President, Regional Director, and local and state officer; and WHEREAS, This remarkable public servant was also President of the Glens Falls Opportunity Housing Program, which purchased and rehabilitated four homes with volunteer help and sold to low-income families; Consultant for Minority-Women Business Enterprise under NYSDEC for the building of the new Glens Falls sewer plant; and both Secretary and charter member of the Local Development Corporation; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, Roy L. Thomas served on numerous committees over the years such as the Warren County Action Committee, New York State Manpower Planning Board, Economic Development Authority for Northeastern New York, Regional Housing Planning Board for Northeastern New York, Minority and Women Business Enterprise Program for Warren County Sewer District No. 1, Warren County Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission, and Warren County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, as well as the Glens Falls Citizen Advisory Council; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, Deroy and Julia Mae Thomas, and sister, Mary Doris Thomas, Roy L. Thomas is survived by his wife of 58 years, the former Altemese Woods; one daughter, The Reverend Sandra Riley; two sons, Michael Thomas and Mark (Ines) Thomas; six sisters, Bernice (Theopolis) Hayes, Gladys Harris, Emma Merle Reid, Gina Turner, Carolyn Thomas, and Delores Nelson, four brothers, Johnny Thomas, Albert Thomas, Henry (Patsy) Thomas, and Deroy Jr. Thomas; eight grandchildren, Demitrius, Jemese, Alexander, Peyton, Jordan, Lysia, Morgan and Avianna; and three great-grandchildren, Jayden, Logan, and Sidney; as well as many aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and WHEREAS, Our society is greatly benefited by the purposeful efforts of individuals who unite for the cause of improving the quality of life for others, and who proactively work toward the goal of dignity for all; Roy L. Thomas truly served his community and fellow man, making the world a kinder, more just place for everyone to live, play and work; and WHEREAS, In appreciation of his life of commitment, dedication and substantial contribution, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records this tribute to the memory of Roy L. Thomas that future generations may know and appreciate his admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the respect and esteem in which he was held; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Roy L. Thomas, devoted family man, meritorious veteran, and Community Development Director for the City of Glens Falls; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Roy L. Thomas.