Howard Thomas, Jr.

Mr. Howard Thomas Jr. departed this life on April 13, 2020 at Covenant Hospital. He was 70 years of age. He was born on December 23, 1949 in Melvin, Alabama to Howard Thomas Sr. and Mable Pierson.

Howard was a graduate of Saginaw High School, “Class of 1969”. He also attended Delta College and later received a Doctorate Degree in Theology from the Spiritual of Israel Church. He was a member of the Spiritual of Israel Church and Its Army under the leadership of Elder Joseph Grace.

Howard married Dorothy Brewer in 1978 and they shared two children, Satara and Howard III. Howard was employed at General Motors Corporation and after thirty-two years of service, he retired on July 31, 2001. In 2003, he became a car salesman at McDonald Cadillac until 2005. He then pursued a new career as a truck driver in 2006 and moved to Midland, Michigan in 2009, where he was employed for the Midland County Connection Bus Company.

Howard loved his family, playing the drums, and singing was his passion. In the 1970’s he was a member of a singing group called “The Diablos”. He was also a member of the “Israel Sons” and the lead singer of “Exodus 4:22”. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Thomas Sr. and Mable Pierson; two brothers and four sisters.

He leaves to cherish his memory one daughter, Satara Cunningham; one son, Howard III (Kila) Thomas; nine grandchildren, T’Mara Thomas, Anaiah Cunningham, Kevion Thomas, Amere Cunningham, Tramont Cunningham, Kedrick Davis, Cordell Gibson, Howard IV, and Cameron Thomas; six great-grandchildren; two sisters-in- law, Marilyn (Charles) Ginn, Kim Ruffin; one brother-in-law, William (Linda) Brewer; special niece and cousin, Sue Harris and Larry Robinson; three goddaughters, Jackie Mills, Nakeia Strong, Shalon McCray; special godson, James “June” Crisp; two special pets, Snookie and Bella; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, including his lifelong friend of 51 years, Bishop Bobby Davis.

His son, Howard Thomas III would like to give a special thanks to his mother, Dorothy Thomas for caring for his dad during his time of need; his sister, Satara Cunningham, for being a pillow of comfort; wife, Kila Thomas, for being a face of inspiration; father and mother-in-law, Ronald and Jean Schwartz for being constant visitors, spiritual advisors, and mentors; Bishop Bobby Davis and Eld. Br. Mo. Gloria Davis for being faithful prayer warriors and helping me stay grounded on this journey with my dad; Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel for making this transition peaceful during this difficult time. Thank you all!

One final message to my pops, I miss you dearly right now and I will always…Luv U 2Lyfe/Son

Peace and Love
The Thomas Family