Mr. Samuel Thomas

Samuel Leon Thomas affectionately known to many as "Dunno, Sammie, Sam Jr., Grandpa Sammie, Grandad and Uncle Sammie" was born on February 14, 1946, in Evanston, Illinois. He was the oldest child of three children born to the late Lula Christine Samuels of Abbeville, South Carolina and Big Sam Thomas Of Havana, Cuba. His grandparents were Trustee Will Hunter (an African descendent) and the late Mamie (Rice) Hunter (an African and Black Foot American Indian descendent).

Samuel accepted Christ as his Lord and savior and was a member of Springfield Missionary Baptist Church.  Samuel attended Evanston Township Highschool and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Army where he served his country for two years. While in the service he was noted as a sharpshooter and drill sergeant, and also learned to speak German.

Samuel later received an honorable discharge from the service. Upon his return to Evanston, Illinois he married Carol Murray and had one daughter Rachon Darcelle Thomas. Sammie was a well-known stylish dresser, he loved to match from head to toe and could always be found sporting a Dobb hat. Sammie was a great dancer, an artistically inclined creative, an awesome cook and an all-around guy. He was beloved by a community of friends and family.

Samuel later moved to Akron Ohio where he took up residence for a number of years, but found his way back home to Evanston, to help take care of his mother. At any given time, you would find Sammie watching old westerns and sports games, driving his vehicle and or his scooter to his beloved hang out spot "Church and Dodge" where he was affectionately known as Dunno or Sammie Sneed.

He would spend time there talking with his community of friends and visiting those whom he knew. Anyone who met Sammie quickly observed his warm spirit and his welcoming attitude concerning life. Whenever he was greeted by a loved one or anyone close to him his response would be "heyyyyy babyyyyyy." Everybody loved Sammie's hearty and happy gut filled laugh. And when he laughed it was genuine. In his later days those who encountered him felt his warmness and referred to him as being the sweetest guy ever. The Lord opened up the gates of Heaven and sent down two of his angels on May 26, 2023, to call Sammie home.

Sammy was surrounded by his family throughout his last days and final hours. Sam Jr. was a father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother an inspiration to all and a legendary trailblazer who will be surmountably missed. Sammy leaves, but only for a little while, to cherish his loving memories, a daughter Rachon D. Thomas-Burke (Reginald), grandchildren: Shareef Thomas, Azjahnae Danielle Thomas, Taylor Burke, Reggie Burke and Rachel Burke, two great grandchildren: Asir Rachon Toney and Hasina Christina Thomas, siblings: Deborah Jones-Hunt and Richard Rochelle, nephews: Clarence Antonio Muhammad (Leah), Christopher Joyner and Clinton ray Ware, nieces: Chantel Marie Thomas-Stepp "(Thomas), Tamalind Mayfield-Campbell (Tony), DeErin Hickman and a host of other great nieces, great nephews, special relatives and friends. Please keep the family in your prayers,

Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Mr. Philip L. Gillette ~ Funeral Director

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