FREDDIE LeROY THOMAS, SR. was born on February 13, 1931 to Betty "Ma Bea" Thomas at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, GA. He was later raised in Madison, GA where he attended school and worked as a young man.

He was the second of eight children born to "Ma Bea" and the first male child born amongst his siblings. At the age of thirteen, his mother became ill. In order to provide for the family until his mother was able to work again, he dropped out of school for two years to work at an ice plant (which was considered "a man's job"). Once his mother returned to good health he enrolled back in school, where he worked hard to make up for the two years missed, and was able to graduate on time with his classmates at Burney Street High School. He was also the starting point guard for the high school's top tier basketball team.

Upon graduation, Pastor Thomas enlisted in the Army where he attained the rank of Corporal and was sent overseas to serve in the Korean War. After hearing the artillery and witnessing the surreal nature of war, he made a vow that he would "get saved" if the Lord allowed him make it back to America safely. Pastor Thomas did return to America safely, but stateside he told others that he had already been to "hell" until one day an old man stopped him and said "I know it was bad over there, but that wasn't hell!" That statement stuck with him and reminded him of his vow.

Pastor Thomas and his younger brother John decided to move up north after facing threats by some of the white locals in the Jim Crow south. After a short stay in Indianapolis, IN they moved to Cleveland, OH. Pastor Thomas eventually found work at Ford Motor Company where he retired in 1992 after 40 years of service.

While in Cleveland, the brothers heard about a revival at East 105th COGIC (now Cathedral COGIC). That night Pastor Thomas honored his vow to the Lord. He experienced the presence of God so strongly that he crawled to the altar before there was even an invitation for salvation and gave his life to Christ. His brother John also received Christ and they later became members of Garden of Prayer COGIC on Cleveland's west side, which at that time was under the pastorate of Elder Herman Watts. Pastor Thomas became a young minister at Garden of Prayer COGIC and served in many positions, including Assistant Pastor. He was also the General Contractor for the original construction of the church's current edifice. There he also met the love of his life, the Late Glenda Sue Thomas, née Jackson, and married her on February 11, 1970.

In this union, Freddie and Glenda were blessed with four children: David, Freddie Jr., Jon-Michael and Sarah. In 1983, being led of the Lord, Pastor Thomas started a Bible study in the home of Otis & Rosetta Douglas. The Bible study eventually grew into a mission inside the Riverside Estates Administration Building. In September of 1984, Riverside COGIC was officially organized and incorporated. In 1991, the congregation purchased its current edifice on Dearborn Avenue. First Lady Glenda Sue Thomas was very instrumental in the establishment and growth of the church until her death in 1993. In 1999, Pastor Thomas remarried, wedding Theresa Myles until they were also parted by her death in 2007.

Pastor Thomas served faithfully as the pastor of Living Faith COGIC (formerly Riverside COGIC) for 35 years where countless souls were saved and filled with the Holy Spirit under this ministry. Under Pastor Thomas' leadership, the church has also served the community in very practical ways including feeding the hungry and annually providing hundreds of Christmas presents to low income children through its partnership with Toys for Tots.

Pastor Thomas was also Chairman of the Ordination Board of Ohio North First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction until he gave up the position in 2009, after 25 years of service. During his time as Chairman he served under Bishop R.S. Fields, Bishop William Morgan James, Bishop Walter Earl Jordan, and Bishop Edward T. Cook. He was appointed as a Superintendent over the Progressive Faith District in 2006 where he also served faithfully until his demise.

Pastor Thomas never lost his love for learning. At the age of 77 he graduated from The Northeast Ohio School of Ministry where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Christian Counseling. Pastor Thomas continued in his educational pursuits and obtained a Master of Arts Degree in Christian Counseling at the age of 81. He was well read and very progressive in his thinking despite his age.

On Thursday, December 26, 2019 Pastor Freddie L. Thomas, Sr. departed this life due to heart complications. During the brief hospital stay prior to his death, he continued to praise God. He lived an exemplary life. He was great father, husband, and provider. He considered others over himself. He was a master teacher, an anointed preacher, and a man of great wisdom. He persevered through great trials and overcame them all with honor, dignity, and integrity. Well done good and faithful servant. Enter in the joy of the Lord!

Pastor Thomas was preceded in death by his wife (Glenda), his wife (Theresa), his mother (Betty), three brothers (Robert, Roosevelt and John), one sister (Catherine), and one granddaughter (Jordynne).

He leaves to cherish his memory three sisters: (Queenie Burke and Bertha Thomas of Madison, GA and Mae Frances Thornton of Atlanta, GA; four children: David, Freddie Jr., Sarah of Cleveland, OH and Jon-Michael (Unaka "Niki") of Dallas, TX; four grandchildren (Timothy, Kayla, Kenzo, and Willie); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, the members of Living Faith COGIC, and the Progressive Faith District.

Homegoing Celebration will be held Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Second Calvary Baptist Church (12017 Emery Ave., Cleveland, OH  44135) at 11 A.M. where friends may call SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 10 A.M. UNTIL TIME OF SERVICE AT THE CHURCH.  Interment West Park Cemetery.