Thomas worked various employment until he received his U. S. Merchant Mariner’s document in 1968. He was a Seaman, Officer’s B.R., and Crew Pantry man through 1976, he retired from employers: American President Line, Oceanic Steamship Co., and Pacific Far East Line, Inc. with sails from San Francisco, California to Hong Kong, Guam, Switzerland, South Africa, and Honolulu, Hi. From 1977 to 1998, Thomas worked in Alameda County and Contra Costa County in construction for various private contractors; He retired from Soil Enterprises, Inc. in Brentwood, CA where one of his favorite trades was a professional tree climber.
Thomas was dedicated to serving God. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family. He married the love of his life in 2010, Eugenia. The Lord led him to unite them with Progressive Community Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Glenn R. Shields. Thomas loved working with the PCC Culinary Department and viewing online services.
Thomas was preceded in death by sons Eric Howard and Michael Herrin and daughter Terri Tolson, he leaves to cherish his memories, wife Eugenia Randler, his children: Juanita Jackson, Thomas Jr (Dee) Randler, Tarente Randler, Ronda Fuller, Octavious Jackson, Vincent Sherrell, Melody and Marilyn Herrin, Lawrence (Summer) Pela, Michael (Taihiana) Pela, Son-n-Law James Tolson II, Twenty grandchildren, Thirty-one great grandchildren, and two great-great grandsons, Sister Julia Willis and Brother Amos (Dean) Randel, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
