Joseph Eric Thomas, Iii

Joseph "Eric" Thomas, III was born on June 10, 1967, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles California, to the parents Shirley Jean Dumas­-Thomas and Joseph Albert Thomas II. Both parents preceded him in death.

Eric began his education at Faith Christian Elementary School, then attended Crozier Junior High School and graduated from Inglewood High School. He later attended Los Angeles Trade Technical College where he received his Culinary of Arts Certificate and attended gaming school where he received his gaming license. Eric ran the 400 meter and played football at Inglewood High. He also played tennis and injured his ankle, which ended his sports career and he played the clarinet in the Inglewood High School Marching Band.

Eric's first job was a Junior Lifeguard at E.G. Roberts Park Aquatic and Recreation Center. He became a Sous Chef and 21 Blackjack Dealer in Las Vegas; was a limousine, motor coach and bus driver and a security guard. He was an expert at driving. Eric was a master gamer and mastered all card games. He loved and played dominoes very well and loved giving his opponent a hard time. He was also a history buff and loved traveling. As a child he traveled all over the world with his mother, who was a backup singer for Carmen McCrae. Eric had an old soul and loved listening to Blues music but enjoyed all genres of music except for pop. Pokey Bear, BB King Maxwell, Kem, The Isley Brothers and Jeffery Osbourne were among his favorite artists. Going to music concerts was his passion. Last year alone he and Rosie attended eight music concerts and the Long Beach Jazz Festival. He loved theme parks and enjoyed being a member of the American Legion. He also enjoyed watching all sports (tennis, basketball, football, golf, boxing, and track and field). Eric also liked to go to Las Vegas and to the casinos.

Eric was a member of the L.A. Chapter TOTs & Teens, the Benjamin J. Bui American Legion Post, and the Sons of the  American Legion Squadron 252. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve and boxed in the U.S. Army.

Eric met Rosie Robinson in 2009 at Benjamin J. Bowie; he was her knight in shining armor while she was his damsel in distress. He presented her with a bottle of water and said he would be her bodyguard and he kept his promise until the end. They were united in marriage on October 18, 2014. Eric was bigger than life. He lit  up the room with his smile. He was loud, funny, and spontaneous. He loved life and lived it to the fullest! More than anything he loved shopping; his excuse was if he found something in his size, he had to buy it! He and Rosie recently moved so he would have more closet space for his clothes, shoes, and hats! When he got dressed, he was always sharp and would match every outfit from head to toe, complete with sunglasses and jewelry for every outfit.

Anytime Eric and Rosie traveled, he would have a huge suitcase and she would have a travel bag because he could never decide what to wear and always packed as if they were traveling for weeks instead of overnight. He was also famous for changing his mind about the destination which drove Rosie crazy, but she always went with the flow. No matter what they did, they enjoyed life together.

Eric departed this life in the early morning on June 5, 2023. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Rosie Robinson-Thomas; children Joseph "Joey" Thomas IV, Olivia Thomas, and Maximillian Hernandez; stepchildren Lauren Wells (Johnathan) and Victoria Smith; six step grandchildren  Kole Villery, Layla Villery, Kai Ametu, Kaliel Ametu, Zion Wells and Israel Wells; one sister Johanna Thomas-Clark (Maurice); and a host of other relatives and friends.

Eric will forever be missed by all!