Thomas R. Roberts Sr.

The Beginning Life’s journey for Thomas “Tommy” Randall Roberts, Sr. began as the tenth child of the late Cleo and Lillian Lee on October 2, 1945. Tommy departed this life on July 19, 2018. He attended Dunbar High School where he wrote the song for his graduating class in 1963. His post graduate studies include Morgan State University and Community College of Baltimore. He gave his life and service to Christ at an early age. His Christian journey began at The Cornerstone Baptist Church under Pastor I. Logan Kearse. Tommy later joined Gillis Memorial Christian Community Church and served under Pastors Theodore C. Jackson, Sr., and Theodore C. Jackson, Jr. on the Deacon Board, music ministry and oversaw the radio broadcast. He then joined his wife becoming a member of The Church of the Redeemed of the Lord under the pastorate of Bishop Jerome Stokes and Lady Marsha Stokes. Professional Career: Tommy served in the United States Army. As one of the first black presidential Honor Guards, he shared the story of seeing Robert Kennedy visiting his brother, President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite in the wee hours of the morning. He started his career at General Motors on the assembly line rising to the position of Vice President of local United Auto Workers (UAW) 239. His entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to create the record label TR Records, Inc., where he produced various artists, was a song writer and recording artist. Tommy later joined Coldwell Banker and became one of the top real estate agents for the company. Music: Tommy was one of the founding members of The Gospel Leaders, a group known throughout the gospel music industry. He was also instrumental in forming the Maryland Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) in 1967. He also ministered with Rev James Cleveland, Myrna Summers, Aretha Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Keith Pringle, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Edwin and Walter Hawkins, Douglas Miller, Timothy Wright, Charles Nicks, and many other artists. Singing on the national stage for political events, sporting events, United Way Campaigns and United Auto Workers (UAW) conventions, Tommy never thought more of himself then he should, nor surrendered his calling to sing praises unto the Lord. Of his many accomplishments, Tommy was the Founding President of The American Gospel Music Heritage Foundation. The foundation was largely responsible for the placement of the statue of renowned announcer “Aunt” Pauline Wells Lewis into the Great Blacks and Wax Museum. Tommy wrote and produced for many artists and choirs. His nationally recognized song “I’m in the Capable Hands of God” is still a choir favorite. His rendition of “America” was produced for a national audience. Tommy lived life to the fullest. He loved God, music ministry, family, traveling, cooking, fine dining, and following the path that God designed for him. Precious memories will forever linger in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved Tommy. He leaves to celebrate a life well lived his wife, Alice Marie Loving Roberts; son Thomas (Randy) R. Roberts, Jr., (wife Wanda and mother Barbara); daughter, Hope O’Neil; grandchildren, Ra’Aunna, Randi, Kaleb, Ryan, and Rylie; in laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

Tributes

Thomas R. Roberts Sr.

October 2, 1945 - July 19, 2018