REVEREND McConico Thomas

Mr. Mcconico "Mac" Thomas was born on January 17, 1921, to Bennie and Minnie Thomas in Noble Lake, Arkansas. He resided in that area until he moved with his Aunt Lula to Humphrey, Arkansas to continue his studies. Mac accepted Christ at the age of 12 years old, baptized by Rev. LC. Brooks. At an early age Mac was determined to live a progressive and productive life. His high school studies at Rosenwald High School in Humphrey, Arkansas was interrupted to attend to his mother for a year, however, he studied hard and graduated with his class in 1940.

Mac enlisted in the Army in April 1941. He completed his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri where he trained as a Combat Engineer. After completing basic training in July 1941, he began his tour of duty. Mac's military service provided him the opportunity to travel around the world. He served in Scotland, England, Africa, Germany, and Italy with the 92 Engineer Regiment as a Master Sergent. After his honorable discharge from the military in 1945, he attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. He joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Upon graduation, he moved to Oakland, California in 1950 where he met the love of his life, Tommie Lee Whitmore. On July 19, 1952, he was united in Holy Wedlock to Tommie and remained married for 56 years until her passing. To this union, two sons were born, Thaddeus Thomas and Theodore Thomas. The family united with the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland, California. Mac was very active in the church, serving as the Chairman of the Deacons, Director of Sunday School, choir member, Boy Scouts Master, Baptist Training Union, and Brotherhood.

While residing in Oakland, California, Mac worked at the Naval Shipyard for twelve years. After leaving the shipyard, he was hired by Golden State Life Insurance. He quickly climbed the corporate ladder and became a successful district manager, retiring after 25 years of service.

In 1988 Mac and Tommie relocated to Fort Worth, Texas to be closer to their sons and grandchildren. He joined Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church where he was very active in many areas of the church until his health began to fail. Mac always had a passion for teaching, sharing, and helping others. He and his wife facilitated marriage workshops and led the J.L. Dawson

scholarship committee ensuring their support for high school graduates in their quest to attend college. Mac also served as deacon, Sunday school

teacher, devotion leader in the Fort Worth Citywide Brotherhood, North Texas District Association, National Baptist Convention of America, and Boy Scouts leader. At the age of 95, Mac answered the call to the ministry under the leadership of Pastor William T. Glynn. Rev. Thomas preached two sermons before he passed.

Mac was preceded in death by both parents, his wife Tommie Lee Thomas, brothers Edison, Wardel, Bennie, Chester, Nelson, sisters Minnie Thomas, Helen Cunningham and grandson Dillion Thomas.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his sons Thaddeus Thomas and Theodore Thomas (Denise); grandchildren, Kearstin Thomas, Thaddeus Thomas II (Kaleah), Teiya Lewis (David), Arquilla Weatherspoon (Michael), Kynnisha Warren (Peter), and Shalana Ford; one sister, Lula Manning, former daughter-in¬law Sherry Thomas, great-grandchildren, Kayla and Kaleigh Thomas, and a host of other great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

As we bid farewell to this amazing man, we are forever grateful for his unwavering faith and commitment to God, dedication to his loved ones, and kindness he bestowed upon us all. May he rest in eternal peace.