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.