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Ted Thomas, Jr.


Sunrise: December 26, 1957

Sunset: August 15, 2020

Brother Ted Thomas, Jr. took his eternal rest on August 15, 2020 at the Sentara OBICI Hospital, Suffolk, VA.  Ted was born December 26, 1957 to the late Bishop Ted G. Thomas, Sr. and late Mother Charletta Virginia Clifton Thomas in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Ted Jr., as he was affectionately called, was a member of a large family of noted gospel musicians and vocal singers. Ted could sing and lead songs like “I Hear Music in the Air.”  His passion was playing the drums which begun under his father’s leadership in the New Community Temple COGIC choir.  With such humble beginnings, he started playing drums at 7 years old, beating on chairs until his father brought him a drum set.  His father was the Pastor of New Community Church COGIC and church organist for many years while Ted was the drummer for the church.  Ted accompanied the church choir on their recording “Wade in the Water Like John” and traveled on tour to Chicago, which sold every record.

Ted left Portsmouth after college, studied at University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, and relocated to Detroit, MI.  There he began his professional music career with local vocal legend, Ortheia Barnes.   St. James Missionary Baptist church located in Detroit, MI, Ted played drums from 1979 – 1985 under the leadership of Reverend Charles H. Nicks, Jr. and Mother Lucille Nicks.  They grew to become his god-parents.  Ted recorded many albums with the St. James Missionary Baptist Church Adult Choir.

 His distinctive groove and musical sensibility led to success as a session drummer for top gospel artists The Clark Sisters, Yolanda Adams, Vanessa Bell and the late Thomas Whitfield. Soon after, Ted hit the road with an off-Broadway production of the hit musical “Your Arms Are Too Short to Box With GOD”.

Returning to Detroit, legendary jazz guitarist Earl Klugh invited him to record and tour; this led to increased recognition and gigs with top industry artists Sean “PDiddy” Combs, Michael J. Powell, Jill Scott, Rachelle Ferrell, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Alexander Zonjic, DJ King Britt, Jay Z and more. Ted performed with Latin icon Julio Iglesias for three years on tours.  Ted embraced performing nightly on the hit culinary show Emeril Live!

Ted’s biggest influences were Harvey Mason, Steve Ferrone, Jose Luis Quintane, AKA Changuito, Jimmy “Diamond” Williams (drummer for the  R&B group, The Ohio Players), Maurice White, Brother Everett, and Quincy Jones.

Ted has been a professional drummer since 1978 and was very blessed to have recorded with some of the greatest musicians in the world as well as having the opportunity to write, produce and arrange music. On Jill Scott’s “Platinum CD Words and Sound: Vol 1.”, he not only played drums, keyboard, and percussions; he produced a couple of tracks as well.

Preceded in death was his father, the Late Bishop Ted G. Thomas, Sr., (General Board Member) of the Church of God in Christ, Inc.; his mother, Mother Charletta Virginia Clifton Thomas; and four uncles, Mr. Simuel Thomas, Jr., Minister Willie M. Thomas, Deacon Harold Thomas, Sr., Mr. Holmer Thomas and Mr. Charles Clifton; and four aunts Ms. Bettie Thomas, Pastor Hattie Thomas-Butts,  Mrs. Queen Esther Ward and Sister Susie Waff.  He leaves to cherish 5 brothers, Overseer Christopher B. Thomas, Bishop Marc A. Thomas, Sr. (Evangelist Naomi K. Thomas), Elder Charles H. Thomas, Sr. (Asp. Missionary Kim Michele Thomas), Mr. Jonathan D. Thomas, and Brother Reuben G. Thomas.  He also leaves to cherish a devoted god-mother, Mother Lucille Nicks, two aunts, Mother Gwendolyn Jean Parham and Ms. Zelma “Net” Harrington; two uncles Mr. Robert C. Clifton, and Mr. William “Tommy” Clifton. Two Great Uncles, Brother Simuel “Cecil” Clifton and Mr. Alphonso Clifton.  He also leaves to cherish, his nine nieces and nephews, Charles Jr. (CJ), Emmanuel (E-man), Marc Jr. (MJ), Kiara (Kia), Evan, Aaron, Ted J. C. (TJ), Na’Ami, and William (Marson).  He also leaves to cherish one great nephew, Bryson (son of CJ) and a host of cousins, extended family, church family, and a host of friends.

Viewing Friday, August 28, 2020 4:00pm - 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23701 Service Saturday, August 29, 2020 11:00am New Community Temple C.O.G.I.C. 3615 Tyre Neck Road Portsmouth, VA 23703 Interment Carver Memorial Cemetery 2320 E Washington Street Suffolk, VA 23434 The family is following the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines for funeral attendance

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Condolences(19)

  1. reply
    Elder R. Rose says

    Our Deepest Condolences to the entire Thomas Family. May God be a comfort and strength to you in this season.

    • reply
      Evangelist Iristrese White says

      My deeply sympathy to the Thomas Family. I know this year has been a great treasure of losing in your family. You all have to stick together don’t allow the devil come in to destroy your family apart. Now your family is a true example of a holy family. I grew up in New Community I can testified that my pastor and first Lady Ted Thomas Sr. They were so humble and holy people. This is the reason why I say this to the family be strong, courageous, and humble like your brother your uncle, your nephew Ted Jr. You are going to be missed my good ole friend. Now R.I.P.

    • reply
      Phyllis Reives says

      From the family of your cousin, the late Sallie Lou Davis, Raeford NC
      To the brothers,Net, Tookie, and the entire Thomas family, we send our deepest condolences and prayers.

  2. reply
    Juanita Lucas says

    To The Thomas Family:
    Each of you have my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy. May God continue to strengthen and encourage you daily.
    I Love Each Of You Dearly,
    Juanita Lucas

  3. reply
    Ron Taylor says

    This is a heavy load to bear up under, but our God will provide the strength the family needs to press on. You all are in my prayers.

  4. reply
    Wendell Jones says

    Condolences to the Thomas family and their church family. The songwriter said “If the sun don’t shine and the winds don’t blow, as long as Jesus is my pilot, I’ll be alright”. Your family believed in the promise of eternal life with the Lord and lived it. We surely will moss Ted and his parent’s but they are with the Lord now enjoying an everlasting praise break!
    Love y’all to Life!
    Dell

    • reply
      Vernon Williams says

      To my little brother Ted. I am so elated that you reached out to me on May 25th. It was God who had you to contact me and reflect on old times in Cedar Grove Acres. My family send our deepest condolences to the Thomas family. May you Rest In Peace. Vernon Brodie Williams

    • reply
      Cathalene D. Butts says

      My heart is heavy ???? and my prayers go out to the Immediate family and church family. May God give you peace in your time of sorrow.

      With Heartfelt Sympathy
      Missy Cathalene D Butts

  5. reply
    Cleo Wilson says

    Our condolence and prayers for the Thomas family at this season of lost. It seem unreal for Ted would not to be here on this day, but he is in safe arms. So sorry for this tremendous loss. He was a great and valuable man. This hurt is heartfelt all over the world and where ever his life treaded. We love you all!
    Elder & Mrs. Ventress L. Wilson, Sr. and family

  6. reply
    Min. Charles Rose III says

    Deepest Condolences

  7. reply
    Dr. Cassandra C. Brooks says

    May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you TRUST in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the POWER of the Holy Spirit. Rom. 15:13 NIV
    You are in my prayers.
    Sandy

  8. reply
    Tchet Ab Utcha Ra El says

    Tchet Ab Utcha Ra El,

    To the Thomas Family whom I and my family have known for many years beginning in Cedar Grove Acres, our deepest condolences go out to the Thomas family during this time of transition of my extended brother Ted Jr. My family and I envision spiritual strength and good health for the Thomas family during this challenging moment.
    Peace and Blissings!!!

  9. reply
    Mike Headen says

    My deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers with the Family.

  10. reply
    Pastor Sherman & First Lady Linda Anderson says

    We loved Ted Thomas Jr. Always wore a pleasant smile. God blessed him dearly. He will be missed. Pray for the family. Rest Well
    Ted, Bishop and Mother. Love yall

  11. reply
    Evangelist Iristrese White says

    My deeply sympathy to the Thomas Family. I know this year has been a great treasure of losing in your family. You all have to stick together don’t allow the devil come in to destroy your family apart. Now your family is a true example of a holy family. I grew up in New Community I can testified that my pastor and first Lady Ted Thomas Sr. They were so humble and holy people. This is the reason why I say this to the family be strong, courageous, and humble like your brother your uncle, your nephew Ted Jr. You are going to be missed my good ole friend. Now R.I.P.

  12. reply
    Helen Satterfield says

    We are thankful for the Thomas Family. We are praying for you, knowing that God has you in the palm of his hand. Sending our love, many many blessings.
    Pastor & Sis. Satterfield,
    Save A Life

  13. reply
    Gen. Dr. Daniel Griffin, USAR/USAFNG says

    Condolences and prayers to Thomas families but with Almighty God call Ted Thomas, Jr. will be the gospel rhythm drummer making all the gospel tunes heard in golden gates of Heaven Above.

  14. reply
    Garfield Cross III says

    We are so sorry for the family’s loss. Our prayers and condolences are with you. Please know that Ted Jr. as we knew him was a gregarious and affectionate person that we grew up with. Our last meeting was February 24, 2015. I still have the pics we took. What a wonderful human being, Ted Thomas Jr. To the family the Lord Bless you and keep you and continue to give you His peace. Garfield Cross III, neighborhood friend, Cedar Grove.

  15. reply
    Ken Gay, Jr. says

    Teddy,
    We were so saddened to hear of your departure, but we know there is a pocket groove going on in heaven. Thank you for being so gracious and kind inviting us to the show to see you perform, that trip to NYC was so memorable. My son still has the sticks you signed and gave him and we will treasure your musical journey for life! We will be praying for your family.
    Your Friend and fellow musician/singer/producer,
    Ken Gay, Jr.

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