Roy Lee Anthony Thomas, age 76, of Peabody passed away peacefully on April 27, 2024, in Salem, MA, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

He was born in Lynn, MA, to the late Fred and Ida Mae (Jenkins) Thomas of West Memphis, Arkansas. In 1966, Roy was a graduate of Wonder High School in West Memphis. Shortly after graduation, Roy moved to Massachusetts and established roots in the City of Lynn.

It was in Lynn where Roy met the love of his life, Joann, who he married two years later in 1968. He was a loving husband who supported (and spoiled) his wife for 54 years until she passed away in May of 2022. At their home in Peabody, they were both well known for hosting family and friends, with large cookouts and holiday gatherings. It was a joy that was both mutually and deeply cherished.

At a young age, Roy quickly developed a reputation as a hard worker and prided himself on being the only one amongst his friends to have his own apartment. He also dabbled in entrepreneurship and owned a neighborhood restaurant. Thereafter, he dedicated his career as a Foreman at General Electric, where he retired after 36 years. To keep himself busy, he briefly worked as a bus monitor for Beverly Public Schools, but quickly realized that he preferred his own kids.

Roy loved spending time with his family, giving sound advice to his children and grandchildren, and watching them grow. He was "Pops", "Daddy", "Dad", and "Papa". He attended as many gatherings with family and friends as he could and enjoyed each one. He was a great friend and relative to many and loved spending time with his siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Roy loved traveling and one of his greatest joys was being a member and secretary of the North Shore Wanderers Motorcycle Club since 1983. He traveled to many states, including Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, and Missouri. He loved riding to roundups and meeting new riders from different clubs all over the country. Roy coveted the time spent with his good friends and riding buddies.

Past Grand Master 33º, Roy Thomas, served as a Mason for over 35 years, and was a member of King David Lodge #11 under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful George Washington Carver Grand Lodge.

Roy served as the active President of the Community Brotherhood of Lynn where he enjoyed his time with good friends.

Roy was the 2nd Vice President of the NAACP in the late 70's.

Roy dedicated his life to Christ and was a member of Zion Baptist Church where he was a member of the Executive Board and had previously served as a Deacon.

Roy is survived by his children Cherice, Rosalyn, Antoinette, Tammy, Reggie (Linda), Richard (Sheryl), and Jerome. Roy is also survived by his siblings Samuel and Marlene, and leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, godchildren, many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In Heaven, he now joins his parents Fred and Ida Mae, his beloved wife Joann, his son Johnny, his sisters Rosemary and Ida, and his brother Fred, Jr.

Roy will be sorely missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Visitation will be held in the Goodrich Funeral Home, 128 Washington Street, Lynn, on Sunday, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.   His funeral service will be held Monday in the Zion Baptist Church, Adams Street Extension at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will follow in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park.