Bobby Lee Thomas was born in Atlanta, Texas on November 29, 1942 to the union of Quincy Thomas and Thelma Jones.  He was the baby boy out of five children.  He attended George Washington Carver High School where he was a tremendous athlete in football and basketball.  He continued his education at California University on a basketball scholarship and graduated from Prairie View A&M University in Texas.  On August 29,1963, he married the love of his life, Ruby Levine.  To this precious union, three children were born:  John Thomas, Bobby Lee Thomas, Jr.  and Thelma Thomas.  He confessed Christ at an early age.  He demonstrated his love for his family and friends with his warm smile and sincere words of kindness.  He was strong in his convictions and shared them as well. He was well loved by the younger generation and he had an undeniable love for them also.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents Quincy Thomas and Thelma Gilliam, siblings, Elsie Mae Leno, John Henry Thomas, Catherine Bates, Quincy Thomas, Jr., and Albertina Gilliam.

He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Ruby Lee Thomas, Children: John Thomas, Bobby Lee Thomas, Jr. (Lisa) Thelma Thomas and Amber Landrum, Sister; Kimberly Gilliam, Grandchildren; Micah Thomas, JaVonte Thomas Cooper, Ruby Cooper, Alexis Terry-Morgan, Printon Cooper, Joshua Copper, Aniya Coleman, Zachary Thomas, Stephen Ponting, and Zachary Ponting, one uncle; Nelson Bates and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, and friends.