Walter David Thomas

He was born July 11, 1924 to Rosa and David Thomas in Arlington, Texas. Affectionately known as ’Walt’ he was the oldest of 3 sons. Because of his religious family upbringing, Walt accepted Christ at an early age. After graduating from High School he was drafted into the United States Army. Once his Army enlistment ended he attended the University of Southern California (USC) where he became lifelong friends with several of his class mates He was always extremely well dressed and passed along his unique style of dress while managing a Men’s clothing store on USC’s campus. He was also the co-owner of Gene Roland’s Men’s store.

Walt was the Executive Vice President of Black Athletics Management Corporation where he recruited many athletes to attend colleges in California. After recruiting Willie Wood as quarterback for USC, and a former free safety for the Green Bay Packers professional football team, Walt followed his career to Willie’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

While involved in several Promotion efforts and managing Adams West night Club in Los Angeles, Calif he established personal relationships with Sam Cook, Lou Rawls, Ray Charles, Nancy Wilson, Miles Davis, Hank Crawford and Ernie Andrews.

His education affiliations at USC led him to become interested in business ventures. His business intellect, electrifying personality and wit enabled him to join Brady Keys, (former Defensive Back for the Pittsburgh Steelers professional football team) as Vice President of "All Pro Chicken." "All Pro" was the first Black-Owned franchise company in the country, and together they established franchises in New York, New Jersey, Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Kansas City. After this success, Brady Keys inscribed on the cover page of Black Enterprise Magazine, "Walt, You made it all a reality, "keep your eye on the sparrow"...so you told me 22 years ago." Walt later assisted in securing the venture capital to finance the first minority-owned Burger King franchise in Pittsburgh, Pa. As Vice President and Secretary of Brady Keys Kentucky Fried Chicken, Inc, he developed and managed multiple Burger King Franchises.

Additionally he was a Management Consultant on economic development planning, where he advised small businesses and corporations. During his experience in small and minority business development he advised the federal government and testified at hearings on problems facing minority businesses. He shared his extensive business knowledge with many other Entrepreneurs across the country.

He was a West Coast Sales Representative for Essence Magazine in New York City and the Vice President of Norman Hodges and Associates in Washington, DC. Walt was extremely intelligent and creative in assisting other Entrepreneurs to establish their companies and acquiring venture capital. Prior to his death, he continued to share his wealth of business knowledge with other Entrepreneurs and ultimately the Thomas Group.

In the business world he considered himself a “King Maker”. Based on his success assisting other Entrepreneurs, later in his life he referred to his friends as his “most valuable assets”. Through his travels and business ventures he established and made many lasting friendships.

During his life time, he attended over 30 Congressional Black Caucuses’ annual Legislative Conferences. As well he attended the Urban League, National Association of Black Business conferences and the Trans Africa dinner each year. While vacationing in Dakar Senegal he was made an honorary Chief of the Fulani Tribe.

Walt was a very special person with a unique personality and all the characteristics of a “Man of the World” – suaveness, debonairness, a flair for style and his way with words. He was intelligent and knowledgeable on any number of subjects. His life style was his end and he enjoyed life as he found it or as he made it. He was not cold and hard towards others but could be when he found it necessary. Walt was frank and direct in dealing with people and he showed genuine concern for others. He had the capacity to maintain, on a close and intimate basis, intensely caring personal relationships with his many many close friends.

He was a mentor, friend, voice of reason and outstanding encouraging Man to many men and women. Walt gave of himself unselfishly and was gracious with his time and effort. He had a brilliant mind and was well informed when offering his expertise. He loved books and was an avid reader with an extensive library. Several of his favorite literary works were “Alice in Wonderland” by James Carroll, “The Myth of Sisyphus” by Albert Camus, “Simple Justice” by Richard Kluger, Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyam and poems by TS Elliott. Listening to Jazz was another favorite past time. He also loved to cook and his chili and New Orleans gumbo were his best recipes. Additionally he was an advocate for higher education.

In Washington D C, he met and married his wife Evelyn. He was devoted to her and cherished their 40-year relationship. Walt was committed to family and raised her son Darrell T Gates.

The business world has lost a legend and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He will always be remembered by one of the many phrases which he coined. There will never be another WALT THOMAS. “He did it his way”.

Walter David Thomas passed away on April 13, 2018 at Summerlin Hospital in Las Vegas, NV.

Walt spent his entire life helping others to achieve their dreams. May he now rest in peace knowing that many of their dreams came true.