In loving memory of Elvin Thomas, Sr. - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

Elvin Thomas, Sr., 84, of Daytona Beach, FL went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 26, 2020 after a brief battle with a sudden illness.

Elvin was born on February 28, 1936 to Ardley Thomas, Jr. and Lucendia Roberts Thomas in Monticello, FL. After graduating from Howard Academy High School in 1955, he moved Daytona Beach, FL to be closer to his siblings.

Elvin landed his first job as the first black truck driver for Central Florida Distributing (Schlitz Brewing Co) in Daytona Beach for 3 years. Later he became employed with General Electric as a Coater/Molder in which he retired after 28 years of employment.

In 1957, he married Hattie Caldwell going on to have four children. He later married Clara Bradshaw in 1992, who preceded him in death in 1998, and gained a step-daughter Sharon Kelly.

Elvin was a quiet force of nature, devoted to his church, Allen Chapel AME in Daytona Beach and gave them 60+ years of faithful service in different capacities. Additionally, his family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of beloved daughter Gloria White Postell and her children Anthony Kelly, and Xavier Lee and always tried his best to support them.

Elvin was also a sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching all sports. As of late, he could often be found purchasing a daily newspaper and lottery scratch-offs as a past-time activity when he wasn’t at home. Anyone who knew Elvin knew that he was a quiet, simple man who met you with kind words and a pleasant smile. The longer you knew him the more you realized how remarkable he was as a man, a servant, and how faithful he was to God. He will always be loved and remembered.

Elvin was predeceased by his parents Ardley and Lucendia Thomas, and siblings, Luther, Lillian (Henry), Ola (Estelle), Willie, Roosevelt (Irene), and Cleveland (Endia). He is survived by; brother, John Thomas (Annie); sister-in-law’s Irene Thomas (Roosevelt) and Endia Thomas (Cleveland); children, Elvin Thomas, Jr., Judy Thomas, Walter Thomas, Derek Thomas; seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers that donations are sent on Behalf of Elvin Thomas, Sr. to Allen Chapel AME Church, 580 George W. Engram Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114.

Any cards or notes should be sent to Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation, 1185 W. Granada Blvd, # 11, Ormond Beach, FL 32174. Visitation will be held 5:00pm-7:00pm Friday, December 4, 2020 at Baldwin Brothers Heritage Place, 1185 W. Granada Blvd. #11, Ormond Beach, FL 32174. The funeral service will be held at 12pm, Saturday, December 5, 2020 at this location.