Linford E. Thomas' Obituary
Linford E. Thomas, Sr.’s, eighty-four-year journey began June 17, 1933, in Carbondale, Illinois, where he was born to John and Rosella Thomas. His journey was completed on June 30, 2017, in San Diego, California. He graduated from Crispus Attucks’ High School in Carbondale where he was an excellent student and star athlete, eventually being elected to the Crispus Attucks’ High School Hall of Fame. Upon graduation, he attended Southern Illinois University (where he continued playing basketball). Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Greer of Carbondale, Illinois, for what became a sixty-two-year union. Upon being discharged from military service, he and Shirley and their eldest son settled in San Diego, where Linford furthered his education, eventually receiving his BA in Education from San Diego State University and an Administrative Credential from United States International University. Linford had a forty-year career with the San Diego Unified School District serving in various stages of his career as a physical education coach, teacher (U.S. history/social studies), school counselor, dean, vice principal, and principal. There were side jobs, as well–income tax preparer and Qualcomm stadium usher, and church involvement–Free Will Baptist Church in Carbondale, Illinois; and two San Diego congregations, Pilgrim Progressive Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church. By doing the little things, Linford positively impacted people in ways that were most meaningful to them. Linford is survived by his loving wife of sixty-two years, Shirley Thomas; along with their three children, Linford “Linny” Thomas, Jr., and Kevin Thomas of San Diego, California; and daughter, Sharon Thomas, of Carlsbad, California; his two brothers, John Thomas of Carbondale, Illinois; and Sherwin Thomas of Acworth, Georgia; as well as cousins, nephews, nieces and step-relatives.The family will be having a Funeral Service on Monday, July 17th, 2017 starting at 11:00 AM in the Garden Chapel located at Greenwood Memorial Park, 4300 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, California 92113.
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