Van Hoose & Steele Funeral Home | Tuscaloosa, AL

Obituary For Deacon Armond Thomas, Jr.

Van Hoose & Steele Funeral Home, Inc. announces with deepest sympathy the transition of Mr. Armond Thomas, Jr.

COMMUNITY VIEWING: Friday, August 20, 2021, from 12 Noon until 5:00 p.m. Van Hoose & Steele Funeral Home, Inc., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

GRAVESIDE SERVICES: Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Cedar Oak Memorial Park, 1401 Mimosa Park Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405. Rev. Rickey J. McKinney will officiate.

Armond Thomas, Jr Teacher, Counselor, Deacon, Pool Hustler, Almost Doctor, Guinness Record Holding Card Player, Master Napper, Unicorn Armond “Ace” Thomas Jr was born on October 15, 1937, in Panola, Alabama to Lily Pearl and Armond Thomas Sr, and passed on Saturday, August 14, 2021. At an early age Ace knew he was destined for greatness. Realizing that a little country town was too small for his big dreams, Ace insisted that they move to the “Big City” and at the age of seven, the family finally yielded and moved to the very “metropolitan” city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he lived until his passing. In 1952, he accepted Christ and was baptized, joining the Weeping Mary Missionary Baptist Church where he was always a faithful and dedicated member. During this time, he served under the leadership of four church pastors and in almost every church role from Junior Usher to Deacon. As a child, Ace was known for being a highly enthusiastic student. In fact, he enjoyed the second grade so much, he “decided” to take that grade twice. After graduating from Druid City High School, he began his studies at Stillman College. Before he could finish, however, the military realized they were woefully behind the curve in the medical sciences. In true “Armond Jr” fashion, he put his future on hold for the greater good and “joined” (by way of the draft) the U.S. Army and was sent to Germany. Germany never knew what hit them. It only took two years for Ace to modernize the whole operation, and realizing that his work there was done, he returned and graduated from Stillman College. During this time, he met the love of his life, Chestine “Tina” Thomas. After years of dating (and begging and pleading and making promises he had NO CHANCE of fulfilling), she finally gave in and agreed to marry him. They remained “happily” married for fifty-five “glorious” years, and had the two best sons a couple could have ever imagined (especially the younger one). After college, Armond began his career in education as a high school civics teacher. In some circles, he was known as the nation’s best civics teacher, in others the nation’s best overall teacher (all the people in those circles had the last name Thomas, but that’s beside the point). During this period, he also earned a Master’s degree from the University of Alabama where he astounded his professors with his almost otherworldly writing ability. The secret to his success once again was his beautiful wife Chestine. Anyway, transitioning to high school counselor proved to be his true calling. His ability to say “Um Huh” and “How does that make you feel?” while completely asleep definitely helped. During his 30-year counseling career, in some circles he was known as the nation’s best high school counselor, in other circles the world’s best human being (same circles as before; you get the picture). In truth, Armond was known for a few things: he was a great listener and trusted advisor; he was a truly gifted teacher both in the classroom and in life; he was a fierce friend; he was a great son, a loving husband and the best father. He was real-life hero. If unicorns exist, he was one. During his life, he touched thousands of souls and we were all made better for it. He was loved by us all and will be dearly missed. Armond is survived by his loving wife, Chestine Thomas; his elder and most useful(or less) son Armond “Tracy” Thomas III and his wife Mia Elliott Thomas; his younger, quiet and most charming son Andre Armon Thomas and his wife Nelmary Villa-Thomas; five grandchildren, Armond “Dru” Thomas IV, Raymond Chase Thomas, Rudy Emmanuel Villa (Thomas), Emily Azucena Thomas and Noah Armando Thomas; a younger Brother and best friend Eddie B Thomas; four sisters-in-law; seven nephews and nieces; four pseudo nephews and niece; a host of great-nephews, nieces and pseuds; and a nearly countless number of extended family members (because if he touched your life, you were family).

Guest Book

Deepest condolences to the Thomas family. Samuel and Vincent Merriweather are in good company-together again. Michelle Taylor Ford (Taylor-Watson-Ford Families.)

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Wendell and I extend our deepest sympathy to the Thomas family. Yours was a life well lived. You were an inspiration and role model to many. Rest peacefully in the arms of God.

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Knowing your loved one was an "Ace", and a Blessing to everyone who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time. Grace and Peace ...Geneva Avery Carlisle..MKE,WI

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Armond Thomas showed such grace and humor while helping our faculty and students navigate the early years of the original CHS. He worked to create a school environment where race and class did not define us. I'll always picture him smiling or laughing and in a beautiful shiny suit. Armond, Beth, and Jim were an amazing counseling team. He certainly made our Christmas parties fun. He could even make faculty meeting bearable. What a gentleman!

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A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts, through us, they live on. My condolences to the Thomas Family. Jewel Gosa

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Our deepest condolences to the Thomas Family. Pray that God comforts and gives you peace. Jacqueline McKenzie and The McKenzie Family

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To the Thomas family, our Condolences to all of you. We will be keeping all of you in our payers for strength and peace. Deacon Thomas will truly be missed....by all. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Farrell & Letitia "Tisha Collins-Narcisse Opelousas, Louisiana

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Our Condolences to Sis. Christine and the family. Deacon Thomas and his family lived right down the street from my parents, Deacon David & Lizzie Collins, Sr. On our way to school every morning, Deacon Thomas or Mrs. Thomas would be outside saying their goodbyes to their children as we would be passing by, telling them & all of us to have a great day! I was shocked to read about his transition and as many that knew him....he will truly be missed by his family, friends, and church members. God has called another Angel home, saying "Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant"!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

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Our heartfelt condolences to the Thomas family. the gants

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In 1968 I began teaching at Druid High School and Armond was my Departmental Chairman. He was always there to cheerfully help and guide me as a beginning teacher. We later worked together at Central High School where he was an outstanding counselor and student advocate. As principal, I could always count on Armond whatever the need or request. He was a vital educational leader and team player. I feel blessed to have worked with him so many years. My deepest condolences to his family. Richard Rhone

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I met Deacon Armond Ace Thomas at a early age when we lived on short 17th St. In west Tuscaloosa where everyone knew one another he and his brother Eddie would often stop by because my oldest sister were in the class with them at 20th St.Elementary School.They would come by and being little boys we would look up to them.They always took time with us especially Armond Ace Thomas Jr with that big smile 😂 you will surely be missed by all who knew you gone but not forgotten to the family Mrs Christine Thomas and Thomas my condolences and prayers 💖💖💖🌼 and love to all of you With heartfelt sympathy Rev. Joseph Page Sr. and family.

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I met him when i was 15 years old at druid high , he told me about his traveling the world and about building a relationship with God . Because of him i put all these things to good use and it worked out for me . I will see him again in the new world that is coming . Thanks be to God for letting me meet Mr . Thomas , Larry D Harris

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We are praying for you and your family in the loss of your loved one. Olivia Morrow & Family

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Gone for now, but never forgotten, may God strengthen Chestine and the entire Thomas family. As probably everyone who met Armond "Ace" Thomas would agree: On your worst day, Armond Thomas could lift your spirit with his smile, wisdom, and wit! For example, when I worked at WMS back in the 80s through 90s, yearly "Institute Day" for the Tuscaloosa City School System was for so of us, a very sluggish day. However, I learned to find Armond and Chestine in the crowd, because without fail, he had a pep pill ready in the form of a big grin, hearty hello, and hilariously profound conversation. Chestine would nudge him to stop, but even when he relented, that was funny too! In addition, I love Dr. Eddie B. Thomas and all other relatives I've met are wonderful people to say the least. My only regret, I never met his parents, but I feel like I know them; I wonder what they were like? RIP Armond "ACE Thomas, Jr; to God be the Glory! Ruby Simon 💖🙏 MAAMGBD

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Praying for peace for the family, during your lost may god continue to watch over you and give you peace, mrs Chestine Thomas Judy Little Hill

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With Deepest Sympathy...My favorite teacher. Levone W. Walton

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My deepest condolences to the Thomas Family. Mr. Thomas was my Civics teacher. I have fond memories of his ability to teach utilizing wit and humor. May he rest in peace. Linda Suttle Harris

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Never once did I see him without a SMILE. I have always felt so blessed to call him my God Parent because his spirit and his soul was always so welcoming and nurturing. The way he poured love and adoration into his wife and children was always so admirable. I am so grateful for the 36 years that God gave me to experience Mr. Ace. Mrs/Momma Thomas, I LOVE YOU, I AM ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU & I am praying for your strength & for the entire Thomas Family! Blessings & Healing during these difficult times. With Great Love - Ashley N. Bowen & Family (Granddaughter of Azzie Washington)

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Words cannot express fully the heart felt sympathy for your family in the loss of Mr. Thomas. I pray that God provides you with peace beyond man's understanding in this hour of grief. Mr. Thomas will be truly missed. May God continue to bless each of you. In Christ I Remain, Virginia Reed Glover and Family

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My Sincere Condolences to the awesome Thomas Family. God strength to God's people As you Know earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal. JHBowser

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With sympathy on the loss of your husband, father and brother, and the Thomas family. The "Thomas Brothers" were an essential part of the Rembert/Cochrane/Linebarger families for over 70+ years. Such a great loss. To the family, may God give you peace to endure; rely on God to help you through. Heavenly rest Deacon Armond Thomas- you've earned it.

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We wish to express our sincere Christian sympathy to Mrs. Chestine Thomas, Tracey , Andre , Dr. Thomas snd the entire Thomas family in the passing of our dear friend and mentor and beloved fellow deacon, Deacon Armond Thomas, JR. We, too, mourn his passing. He was a kind,caring and loving Christian. Our hearts are broken and have suffered a great loss. Deacon Thomas was the epitome of a Godly man. He was a true servant of God snd msn. To say I'm heartbroken to have lost my dear mentor and friend would be an understatement. . I know that God makes no mistakes and tmy broken heart finds so much comfort in that.Deacon Thomas was a part of the whosoever that believed on Jesus and as such has everlasting life so we don't mourn as those with no hope. We will meet again. He left an extremely impactful mark on the lives of so many, as an educator, a youth advocate and mentor, and counselor. This is how I will always and forever remember him. Smiling and giving encouragement and help to those in need. This is his legacy. I thank God that he was a part of my village. I can only hope he knew how much I loved snd respected him. Anything that I can do to help you all bear this heavy load, I am at your service. You all have always been on the giving end for others. It's your time now to be n the receiving end. May you be blessed as you have been such a blessing to others. Praying for your strength, peace and comfort. Catherine and Deacon Levert Hedgemon, JR.. and Family

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Our sincere condolences. May God continue to comfort the family. Mr. Thomas was our Government teacher; great he was. DHS '70 & '72 grads, Willie & Tibitha Frieson

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My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. Lucille Williams &Family

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Van Hoose & Steele Funeral Home | Tuscaloosa, AL