W.T. Shumake & Daughters

Larry "Pooch" Vincent Thomas, 68, transitioned on Thursday, October 6, 2022

Visitation Saturday, October 15, 2022 10am - 12noon Forest Tabernacle Baptist Church 4205 E. Indian Trail.

Funeral to follow at 12 noon. Burial Petersburg-Newburg Cemetery





Larry Vincent Thomas was born in Shelbyville, Kentucky, on Friday, May 15, 1953, to Carl Thomas and Josephine Washington Thomas. He was their fifth child and the youngest son born to this family of seven which included four boys and three daughters. When his parents decided to move to Louisville, Kentucky, they settled into the Newburg community, and the Thomas household quickly became the “hangout spot” for the neighborhood. Their home was the afterschool “go to” place for all recreational activities such as stickball, football, basketball, or any other sports-driven activities. The saying, “It takes a village to raise children”, was an understatement for the Thomas household. Their home served as a baby-sitting daycare and a home for those in need, and that included those who needed a meal. All the rules applied, if someone was out of line, Mrs. Thomas did not spare the rod and kept everyone in line. She applied discipline with a heart full of love.



Being a very athletic family, each one of the sons played sports. Larry was a gifted and talented football player for Thomas Jefferson High School. He, like his older brothers, received an athletic scholarship, and his was to Morehead University where he received both an education and played football. He graduated from there with a degree in sociology. When his playing football days were over, Larry moved to Rantoul, Illinois, to accept a job at Caradco, a company that made windows and doors. This was an ideal place because Larry was close to his oldest sister, Alice. He also carved out time for his favorite sport, football. He became the coach for a Little League Football Team, the Rantoul Falcons. He was so proud to see the team work hard, develop their talents, have fun, and win many championships! During all of this, Larry worked hard, got married, and was blessed with a daughter, Tiffany, who was the apple of his eye.



Having a desire to be closer to his roots and family again, Larry returned to Louisville and became a substitute teacher for Jefferson County Public Schools and was devoted to educating the children in the community where he grew up. Meanwhile, his Uncle Luke, who had a family moving/hauling business, recruited his nephews to become a part of the business, and upon his death, Larry, along with his brothers, became the proud owner of “Thomas Movers” a moving, packing, transporting business with a large following. They worked hard to make the business a success. Anywhere in the country Thomas Movers could be found transporting households from across the street or across the country.



From his childhood, Larry was taught about God and His Son Jesus Christ, so he began his Christian journey at Community Missionary Baptist Church. Later, he united with God’s Will Christian Fellowship Center. He was a blessed man who felt blessed to be around his family and childhood friends who also became his adult friends. Although he did not talk non-stop, he had a warm smile and kind heart. Larry was easy to talk to and be around. As long as there were snacks somewhere around, Larry was good. His three sisters who took after their mother---all three could cook and bake. Their meals were legendary.



Larry was on the Teacher’s Bowling League for over 20 years. He was a very worthy competitor. His sister, Mary was on the Teacher’s Bowling League as well. When they were competing against one another, their mother would come and bring snacks for everyone, but never cheer for one side or the other. She would always say, she just wanted to see her children having fun. He along with his sister Mary were also members of the Hearts & Club Card Club for about the same amount of time. Once a month the card club would rotate from house to house, play cards, eat, and fellowship.



When Larry’s health began to fail, he was blessed to have his family and special companion, Marsha Allen who was his loving faithful caregiver/friend. Lorie Beckham, his niece, was his other faithful caregiver who always checked on his physical and mental wellness. Sadly, on Thursday, October 6, 2022, God called His child home to be with Him. He is preceded in death by: his parents, Carl and Josephine Thomas; grandparents, Cal and Fannie Thomas and Guy and Sarah Coleman; and brother, Ron Thomas.



Larry Vincent Thomas leaves to cherish his memory: his daughter, Tiffany Murphy (Rodney); three grandchildren; siblings, Paul Thomas, Alice Calbert, Ben Thomas (Teresa), Mary Helm, and Betty Beckham; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. He will be missed!