Leonard George Thomas took his first breath on September 17, 1944, in Old Harbor, Jamaica. Leonard lost his parents and grandparents at an early age, and as a result, he had to learn how to care for himself. He learned hard work, determination, and tenacity throughout his challenging childhood. Leonard was determined not to be a bother to anyone, so he worked hard. He and Charis met 55 years ago and married in 1983.

Charis migrated to New York in the early 80s, and after a few years, Leonard followed. They lived in New York until they moved to Port Charlotte in 1991. They’ve lived in the same house since that time and have strong ties within their community. Leonard loved his neighbors: Lillian, Jamie, Brandi and Adam, and Joe and Judy. Port Charlotte became his nesting place.

Leonard’s childhood was difficult, so he made every attempt to continue his education through the GED program and spent hours doing his English homework. He wanted to better himself.

While in New York, he worked as a machine operator before transitioning to the Marriott Hotel. When he came to Florida, he took a job as a machine operator at PGT and worked there until he retired.

Leonard was not a “normal” retiree. He became busier than when he worked at PGT. No sooner had he stopped punching the clock at PGT, Leonard began to volunteer at the Homeless Coalition, and just this past April, he got a letter thanking him for his monetary donations. He was a member of the Coalition’s Key Circle. Leonard grew to love and value the homeless men and women with whom he’s rubbed shoulders for the past 20 years. He was happy whenever they graduated and gained independence.

Leonard and Charis have volunteered at the county jail since 1991. Pastor Morrison asked them to be involved, so they would go to share God’s Word on Sundays. He and Charis also served at the federal prison. He was faithful with the jail ministry until May when he became weak.

Leonard helped Pastor Rick with the bread ministry at Praise Tabernacle. He was faithful in going there, and every Tuesday when most of us are asleep, he would get up and get dressed to go and meet Pastor Rick. He was happy to do it. Leonard would take some of the bread and pastries to the Homeless Coalition, save some for his ministry on Wednesday mornings, and then bring the rest to his home church on Sunday mornings. He often gave me bread which I shared with the local Christian school in my area. The bread never went to waste. He took great care and time to store and arrange all of the food. Charis became his assistant. She had no choice.

Leonard loved the Lord, and in his own way, he made a huge impact on his community. If I were to use one word to describe Leonard, it would be disciplined. He was very disciplined. If you told him not to eat something, he would avoid it. If you told him that a certain vitamin or mineral was good for him, he would buy it, and he never questioned the cost. He loved to eat Charis’ cooking. He didn’t like to eat out, because he said there was no way of knowing whether the cooks washed their hands. He was very careful about what he ate. He loved fruits, vegetables, and nuts. He was very careful about his food choices.

Leonard’s final days were spent listening to sermons, meditating, and praying. He began to sleep a lot, but we had no idea he would slip away from us. He went to the Homeless Coalition on Saturday, attended church on Sunday, and flew into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, May 28th. It was a sad day. A shocking day. A day we will never forget.

May we rest our hope and trust in Jesus. That was Leonard’s desire. He spent hours handing out Daily Bread devotionals in various parking lots, so people could come to know about Jesus.

We, his family and friends, are left to grieve his departure. May God bless and keep you.

He is survived by his wife, Charis, his daughter, Janet, his sisters Sweetie Johnson, Joyce Owens, and Lolieta White, nephews, nieces, in-laws, and friends. Leonard flew into the arms of Jesus on May 28, 2024, and we miss him immensely.

A visitation will be held 5:00PK-7:00PM, Friday, June 21, 2024 at Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel. A funeral service will be held 10:00AM, Saturday, June 22, 2024 at New Testament Church of God in Port Charlotte followed by entombment at Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Port Charlotte, FL.

Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel.