Walter Thomas

Walter “Joe” Thomas, eldest son of the late Christine Pate and Willie Thomas, was born on June 2, 1931 in Wilson, North Carolina. Our beloved husband, father and grandfather began his heavenly journey home on Monday, August 6, 2012 following a brief illness. Walter received his education in the Baltimore City Public School System. In 1950, he joined the United States Army. While stationed in Germany, he discovered his love of boxing and was a proud member of the United States Army 36th Group Boxing Team. Upon his honorable discharge in 1954, Walter returned to Baltimore, Maryland where he later became gainfully employed by the Baltimore City Grounds Division. He retired after thirty years of service, receiving several awards of merit for his years of service. On October 5, 1957, he was united in marriage to the love of his life and best friend, Novella Grace Mosley. He remained a devoted husband for fifty-five years, often referring to his wife as, “the best thing that ever happened to me.” From this union four children were born: Walter, Derrick, Andrea and Michelle. Walter was an exemplary provider and loving father to his children, who he reared to work hard and excel at whatever path they chose in life. A proud grandfather, he was blessed with one granddaughter, Sydney, whom he loved spending time with everyday. Even in his final days, her presence always made him smile brightly. He let her know she was the sunshine of his life. Walter will be remembered as a hardworking, generous and kind man. His winning personality always captured the heart of everyone he encountered. He was well known in his community and could often be seen going for long walks engaging his neighbors in conversation along the way. Whenever a neighbor needed a helping hand, you would find Walter around. Walter served on the Men’s Auxiliary Board of Brown’s Memorial Baptist Church, where he received the Lord for over twenty years. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Novella Thomas; four children, Walter, Derrick, Andrea, and Michelle; granddaughter, Sydney Wylie; grandson, Walter Thomas; honorary granddaughter, Tynesha and Charle’ Barnes; cousin, Hedy Brown of Annapolis, Maryland; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Including his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Henry Thomas.

Tributes

Walter Thomas

June 2, 1931 - August 6, 2012