An'Dino Lemar Thomas Obituary
There are only a few people in this world who distinguish themselves and impact our lives in a very special way. AN’DINO LEMAR THOMAS uniquely displayed his outgoing, loving, humorous, yet spirited disposition very well. He took purpose everywhere he went and made himself known to all who came to know and love him.
In the beginning, AN’DINO LEMAR THOMAS was born the last child from the beloved union of the late Trustee Charlie James Thomas, Sr. and the late Mrs. Gattie Louise Sims Thomas. This great birth occurred on Thursday, March 12th, 1970 in Barnwell County, South Carolina. An’Dino was a native of Blackville, South Carolina. An’Dino grew up in a large and loving family.
Seeking God’s direction and guidance, at an early age, An’Dino joined and became a baptized member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Blackville, South Carolina under the pastorate of the late Reverend Aaron Andrew Bush, Sr. At Macedonia, An’Dino served as President of the former Youth Christian Association & Choir (YCA) under the guidance of the late Mrs. Barbara J. Allen during the 80’s and 90’s. An’Dino’s family has been a part of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church for over 100 years.
An’Dino’s primary education was provided by teachers and mentors of the Aiken/Barnwell Regional Head Start Program. His very first teacher was his older sister Deborah. His Elementary, Middle and High School education was provided by the Blackville-Hilda Public School System. An’Dino was an esteemed member of the Blackville-Hilda High School Class of 1988. During his time at Blackville-Hilda High he served as Class President and a member of the Carolina Cavalier Marching Band. After graduation, he continued his academic excellence as he attended Denmark Technical College, Denmark, South Carolina, South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, South Carolina, and Strayer University where he received his Master’s Degree.
Later in life, An’Dino relocated to North Carolina and made the city of Greensboro his home where he remained until God called from labor to reward. With a desire to unite with a church family, An’Dino moved his membership and joined the Trinity African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church, under the leadership of Dr. Daran H. Mitchell and remained a member there throughout the rest of his life. An’Dino was an extremely loyal and dedicated member. His name was not just on the roll at Trinity as a member, but he was active, holding the position of Trustee, Joint Board Secretary (Steward and Trustees) and a member of the Young Adults Christian Ministry (YACM), Men’s Ministry and Young Adult Choir. He was there to help no matter whenever and wherever the church needed him!
Prepared with Degrees and higher education, An’Dino enjoyed a successful and impactful career as a Deputy Tax Collector at Guilford County Government Center, Greensboro, North Carolina from which he retired on August 20th, 2019 after (22) twenty-two years of dedicated service.
In his leisure time, An’Dino enjoyed cooking and entertaining family and friends. Anyone who knew An’Dino, knew he was a diehard New England Patriots, Duke University Blue Devils and Boston Celtics Fan. He will be forever remembered for his taste in fashion and his devotion to his friends and classmates. His lifelong love for his family, especially his nieces and nephews will be forever treasured and implanted in our family’s hearts for generations.
“Dino” as he was affectionately called traded his Earthly responsibilities and activities for eternal life with his creator in Heaven on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 in the serenity of his home in Greensboro, North Carolina…and now he rests peacefully from his labors. As he impacted the lives of many and we love him so dear, it was time that he traveled alone. He is now walking around Heaven with all his loved ones who went before him, but most importantly he is in the arms of his Lord and Savior. The voice we loved is stilled, but the memories shall play in our minds and in our hearts FOREVER!!!
An’Dino was preceded in death, welcomed at the pearly gates, and now resting with his beloved parents: father, Charlie J. Thomas, Sr. and mother, Gattie S. Thomas; paternal grandparents: Rayford Thomas, Sr. and Callie Posey Thomas; maternal grandparents: Gattis Sims and Mattie Louise Harley Sims; (4) four brothers: James Allen Thomas, Sr., Freddie Jerrod Johnson, Pedro Johnson and Charlie James Thomas, Jr.; and (4) four sisters: Beverly Denise Thomas, Ruth Evelyn Thomas, Bernice Mamie Thomas Wiseltier and most recently Deborah Louise Thomas Gibson. Imagine them waiting on him with open arms and a welcome home!
Those remaining to celebrate his life, mourn his departure, and cherish fond memories are: his fur baby whom he loved dearly: Sir Charles Duke Thomas of the home; (3) three loving and devoted sisters: Eva Mae Thomas Martin (Daniel), Cynthia Thomas Mole (Adolph) and Pamela Y. Thomas all of Blackville, South Carolina; (2) two adopted sisters: Reverend Beverly J. Ashley of Williston, South Carolina and Annie Jean Thomas (Ozzie, Jr.) of Elko, South Carolina; (1) one brother-in-law: Gary Wiseltier of New York, New York; (3) three sisters-in-law: Claretta C. Thomas of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Carolyn C. Johnson and Caroll Teresa J. Johnson both of Blackville, South Carolina; (2) two aunts: Mildred Sims Godwin of Hampton, Virginia and Nettie Mae E. Thomas of Blackville, South Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, God-children, adopted nieces, adopted nephews, cousins, and loving friends who will miss him dearly.
