Tributes

On behalf of the City of Plano City Council and members of our municipal team I offer our condolences to the family of one of our most influential citizens, and more importantly, to one of our dear friends, Mr. Ben Thomas. Ben is one of those rare individuals who never met a stranger, who never saw an injustice he did not work to right, who through his gracious, gentle demeanor always left those in his presence feeling better about the world. Plano is nationally recognized as an All-America City with an unrivaled spirit of community and family values. Throughout his lifetime, Ben worked to further this spirit, as did his family before him. He was a tireless champion of our historic Douglass Community, seeking to promote its unique flavor while protecting it as a valued residential resource in our city. He worked tirelessly to ensure our burgeoning Downtown commercial development enhanced, rather than destroyed, the Community. Ben was instrumental in helping the City of Plano organize and carry out neighborhood planning programs throughout the Douglass Community and supported efforts to rehabilitate and replace substandard housing not only in the Community but in other maturing neighborhoods. He was honored in 2001 for his many contributions to Plano through the dedication of the Ben Thomas Gymnasium at the Douglass Community Center. Those of us fortunate enough to have worked with, laughed with, and been part of the life of Ben Thomas will miss him greatly. Those who never had the opportunity to know him will benefit from the continuing success of the Douglass Community and the City of Plano through his legacy of service. Perhaps Ralph Waldo Emerson has said it best: To laugh often and much; to win the respect of the intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that one life has breathed easier because you lived here. This is to have succeeded. Pat Evans Mayor, City of Plano

I don't remember the exact day I first met Mr. Ben Thomas, but I know it wasn't long before I would always have a smile on my face when I looked up and saw this gentle man, usually wearing or carrying a soft hat, standing in my doorway. We never worked on enormously long or involved projects, but he would frequently come to our offices in Public Information looking for an article or an answer to a question, which it was always my pleasure to give. He never left without a smile, a short story, or stopping to relate a historical fact or two about Plano which I loved to ask him. His love of this City and his enthusiasm in sharing its history were always obvious. What struck me most about Mr. Thomas was that he always stopped to visit as though he had nowhere else to go, no one else to see. I was always, at that moment, the most important person in the room. He had the ability to make everyone feel that way. I will miss him and send my condolences to his family, of whom he was so very proud. Deborah Stone City of Plano

I first met Mr. Ben Thomas in the autumn of 2001. I was immediately impressed with his quiet dignity and his gentle manners. He always had a smile of welcome and willingness to lend a hand. Over the years Mr. Thomas and I developed an easy friendship as I got to know his wife, daughters and sisters. Many times as I walked the community talking with residents he or Mrs. Thomas would invite me in for a glass of ice tea. For years Mr. Thomas maintained the Douglass Community graveyard until I finally convinced him that it was time someone else took over. I remember his concern that the graveyard be properly maintained. His care and compassion are evident everywhere in the community and he will be sadly missed. At the Juneteenth celebrations Mr. Thomas was always there to give encouragement where needed. I can remember on several occasions when I needed assistance in getting the word out about a meeting he gladly distributed flyers. He helped immensely with the sidewalks on F Avenue and he, Bob Buffington and I were working with other residents to get a small park built in the community, before I left Planning last January. The last time I saw Ben was at Bob’s funeral. We hugged and both had tears in our eyes for we had lost a great friend. And now I feel like they are both in a better place hopefully watching over all of us who are left behind to mourn their passing. On Ben’s 80th Birthday his family threw a large formal party for him at the Douglass Community center. Mayor Evans and Councilman Shep Stahel attended and I remembered the surprise and pleasure on Ben’s face when he saw the large crowd gathered to wish him a happy birthday. His tearful thanks were heartfelt as were our sincere wishes for a long and happy life for Ben Thomas. I always felt like a part of his extended family and I think he made everyone feel that way. Laleh Soltan City of Plano

Dollie and Family - Not only are you in our prayers - you have us to count on for ANYTHING you need. Now let us help you during this time of joyful celebration of your Dad's homegoing. What a wonderful legacy he has established for all of us to obtain. Brenda & George McDonald

For Mr. Ben... "[He]fought a good fight, [he]finished [his]course, [he]kept the faith" II Timothy 4:7 ......and, then God called him to come on home.... I have been reflecting on this wonderful...our beloved, Benjamin Franklin Thomas, "Mr. Ben" -- faithful and committed christian, extraordinary leader, community father, family patriarch, diligent worker and gentle soul.... Though I, like others, will miss him tremendously, I am comforted in knowing that he has gone on to claim his just and righteous reward in heaven. Mr. Ben was known for his work in the civil rights movement here in Plano and in the Dallas Metroplex. Mr. Ben's work in our community and his contributions to what makes Plano and the Douglass community great, along with the beautiful Thomas family, will be his lasting legacy. My personal pleasure and delight was to serve with him on so many community projects and boards and committees, more recently, the Plano African American Museum Board (PAAM). PAAM will especially miss his leadership, as we move the PAAM project forward. Mr. Ben's warm smile, his playful laugh; his sage advice; his vivid command of history; his leadership, and, yes, Mr. Ben Thomas himself.... will be sorely missed. Let us continue to pray for the entire Thomas family, especially as Ms. Francis, his wife, and Ms. Norma Faye, his sister, have also been very ill. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made the words of the following song popular when he recited the words as a part of one of his famous speeches. The song captures the essence of a great leader and the essence of a christian servant's desire to dedicate his total being and his total life to God's profound purpose for him. The words show the lifelong dedication to give the great gift....to be in service to others, giving glory to God Almighty. Mr. Ben, like Dr. King and many other great leaders, not only carried the song in his heart but wholeheartedly lived this little song... "Then My Living Shall Not Be In Vain" If I can help somebody As I travel along If I can help somebody With a word or song If I can help somebody From doing wrong My living shall not be in vain. If I can help somebody As I pass along If I can do my duty As a Christian ought If I can bring back beauty To a world up wrought Then my living shall not be in vain. My living shall not be in vain My living shall not be in vain If I can help somebody While I'm singing this song My living shall not be in vain Let us make a special tribute and commitment now to all of our leaders, these angels, who have gone on before us to claim their heavenly rewards and who have left us here to forward their legacies and carry on their important earthly work...Mr. Ben, Uncle John (Hightower), Bob (Buffington), Ted (Peters) and so many more...Let our tribute, like theirs, be our own commitment to our great and beautiful, All-American city, Plano...to our Plano community family....Let our commitment, like theirs, be to make a difference...to help others...to serve others...Let our dedication to the glory of God Almighty, like theirs, be to live so that our "living" shall not be in vain, and, then on that special day, just like these angels, when it is our time to join them, then we, like them, can rest in peace.... Let us now and forever celebrate and remember this beautiful, beautiful and gentle man, Mr. Benjamin Franklin Thomas, that has touched us all, each and every one of us, so profoundly and so definitely......Rest well, old soul...You've earned it!!.....We'll miss ya!!! T.J. Johnson

Mr. Thomas, I would like to say that I am honored to have known you and you are a true pioneer of our time. I pray that God will reward you with the works you have done here. May God Bless you and keep you. Officer Andrae Smith Plano Police Department

Mr. Thomas, you will always be remembered. Thank you for all you did. Your legacy will live on forever. Khristopher Pegram

I remember the first time I met Deacon Thomas, it was after I preached my second sermon at Shiloh entitled "Gods Plan For A Broken World." Deacon Thomas was so impressed by the sermon that he invited me to his home. Upon visiting his home he began to tell me the history of Plano, especially the Douglas Community, and how he was in the process of writing a book. I was so impressed with this small, gentle giant that I continued to visit him regularly. I never knew just how much he had accomplished in his life, neither did it make a difference to me, I just knew he was a kind man who invited me and my wife into his home as if we were his children. I wish I had the opportunity to have known him longer, however, in just the 3 1/2 years that God allowed me to know Deacon Thomas I learned more from him than I've learned from people I've known for ten and twenty years. He truly was an excellent example for me of how to love your wife and raise your kids. Thank you Brother Thomas for sharing a small portion of your life with me, and thank you Lord for allowing me the opportunity to have known such a mighty man with strong spiritual convictions as Brother Thomas. Godspeed, Rev. Matthew T. Berry Sr. Youth Pastor Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Isiah Joshua Jr. Pastor

Few have contributed as much as Mr. Ben Thomas toward the preservation of history and the development of a solid future in the Plano and the Douglass communities. As one of the great visionaries of the community, Mr. Ben helped to guide and construct the vision and the mission of the Plano African American Museum (PAAM). We will forever be grateful for the profound contributions that he made toward the development of the PAAM project, including and especially strongly encouraging us all as we move the PAAM project forward. We love Mr. Ben and we will miss him tremendously. As we all celebrate his life and his legacy, we say to the Thomas family "thank you" for sharing Mr. Ben with us. Please know that you are in our thoughts and our prayers. For the Plano African American Museum (PAAM)... T. J. Johnson, Chair Board of Directors Plano African American Museum

I have known Ben Thomas for many years while I was operating TILLEYVISION in Plano. I always heard nice things said about Ben. I know that his family and friends will miss the most favored nature of this man. I ask that GOD receive him and honor him. We will meet again Ben at a later time. Charles Tilley

Mr. Thomas It was a great privilege to have known you. Being the Neighborhood Police Officer that works the Douglass Community I have seen many of the fruits of your labor come to pass in the lives of the residents in the Douglass Community. Your legacy will live on to positively affect the lives of all that knew you. May God richly bless the seeds you have sown in the lives you have touched. Jeff McCreary NPO Unit/Plano Police Dept.

To the family of Mr. Ben Thomas, Your father will be missed by all. When Mr.Thomas came down to the Douglass Center, he would always talk to us about things that were going on within the community. Seeing a man that did not forget anything, giving us the history on the Douglass Center and the Douglass Community, and when he started to talk it was time to take a seat. (smile) Thank you Mr. Thomas for sharing your history with us. Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County Douglass

Enumerating Ben Thomas' many, many contributions to Plano would take days, but describing him can be accomplished by saying, "he was truly a great man." All who knew Ben could see a man larger than the body which held him, with a mind deeper, broader, and brighter than most of human kind. I would like to have met the father and mother who developed this man, but I have been privileged to know him, and several of his children, who carry his incredible spirit with them. Lisette Briley

Deacon Ben Thomas fought a good fight, kept the faith, finished his course, and now, he rests from his labor. We are especially blessed with the favor of his unswerving model of servant-leadership. This was particularly demonstrated in his lifelong commitment to quality of life issues within the City of Plano. May all who knew and loved him be inspired by his legacy. I look forward to reacquaintance with him during the glorious ressurection. Sincerely, Dr. Michael G. Ford Cedar Hill, TX

Mr. Ben Thomas was a guiding light and an inspiration to all of us. We will proudly remember all that he has done for the people of Plano and the lives he has touched. May Li Voice of Asian American Association

Attending worship services on Father’s Day 2005 at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church the first person I met in the parking lot was Ben Thomas. He was getting out of his car -did not know me from Adam - but a spontaneous smile and a handshake was offered. I was immediately drawn to him. Thousands of others have had the same experience. Ben Thomas ministered to people because of the man that he was and will eternally continue to be. When my predecessor toured me through Douglass in May, 2004 one could sense that there was a fabric and an identity about the neighborhood. The roots are deep and many of its sons and daughters have become notable leaders both inside and outside of Plano. There are many, many days when our partner families, Board and Staff are ministered to by its residents. The 25 Habitat families are at home there. Ben Thomas has given Plano a tremendous legacy. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity of South Collin County, I wish to express my condolences to Mrs. Thomas, Toni, Dollie, Areail and Mitchell and our appreciation for all that Ben Thomas has given to Plano. Dick Taylor Habitat for Humanity

Ben Thomas was much more than just my friend. He was my mentor, my hero. The greatest tribute the city of Plano and the Eastside Community can pay him is to not let his vision cease to be. Herbert L. Walters

To the family of Mr. Ben; It has been my great pleasure to have known your Father. Every time I was in the presence of the Thomas Family, I was made to feel a part of the family. Mr. Ben touched so many lives and worked tirelessly for what he believed in. I know to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, therefore, family, take great comfort in knowing this to be true. Thank you for sharing Mr. Ben with so many of us. I loved and respected this great man dearly and I will miss him just as much. Kathy Daniel

Thank you Mr. Thomas for your years of sacrifice and courage. I had the pleasure of meeting you at Shiloh and you were always kind to my children and myself. You always laughed when you saw me counting off to keep up with them. Thank you for your warm spirit and welcome embrace at Shlioh. You will never be forgotten. God has called you from labor to reward. May your spirit rest in peace until we meet again. Darsell Johnson and crew

I thank God for Mr. Ben Thomas he was a good man, always thinking of others, always willing to give advice and help when and where he could. It is because of Mr. Ben that he and I became neighbors. One day he asked me if I had ever heard of Habitat for Humanity, I said yes somewhat so he gave me a Habitat for Humanity application for a home and told me to fill it out and give it back to him. I told him I won't get it those organiaztions always say you make too much money, his reply was pray about, you never know. And to God be the glory I got it. Mr. Ben, Mrs Frances and I often talked across the fence or in the front yard about a lot of things,the history of Douglass Community, the history of the cemetery, Shiloh Baptist Church and more. They have been so helpful to this single homeowner. I'm so thankful that God placed us in each others pathway. His children are also some of the best friends you can ever have in a lifetime, just like their father, always willing and ready to help anyone in any way they can. Heaven has just open the gates for another angel. Mr. Ben I will trully miss you. Love, Mattie Brooks

What is man that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man that thou visitest him? Psalm 8:4 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doth shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3 Above are two of Deacon Ben Thomas' favorite scriptures. I submit these to the Thomas Family and pray that they will find strength in them. May the blessings of God be with you as you mourn and celebrate the demise of Ben Thomas. A pastor for all people, Isiah Joshua, Jr.

Mr. Ben Thomas has been involved and shown great support for Thomas Elementary. Our school was named for his father, J.L. Thomas. Ben Thomas was always willing to give of his time to help the students understand the connection of our school to his father and the Thomas family. He was a role model for our students by actively demonstrating community involvement in the schools. On numerous occasions he spoke at assemblies, served on our Site Based Improvement Committee, and showed support for the Thomas teachers by attending and sitting at the Thomas table at many PISD Teacher of the Year Galas with his wife, Francis. When Mr. Thomas would speak at student assemblies, his positive message was always filled with humorous stories that the students found engaging and informational. He will be greatly missed by the staff, students, and families of Thomas Elementary. Lynn Swanson, Principal, Thomas Elementary

To my family, I wish I could be with you all during this time of sadness. I will miss Uncle Ben and will never forget him. God Bless. Connie Acosta Seattle, Wa.

Ben Thomas may be gone, but his life's work continues on in the powerful effect he has had on all who knew him. He made all of us better people. It seems to me that Ben was a teacher, and the lessons he taught were simple but hard: That we should love one another, and that we should work to free ourselves and our brothers and sisters from the bondage of ignorance and hatred. In the ten years or so that I was around Ben, I was in awe of how consistently and powerfully he lived those lessons. Not only did Ben work to preserve the cultural heritage of the Douglass Community, but he lent his considerable knowledge and experience to many other community efforts througout Plano. Always, always he treated others with respect and courtesy, but was not shy or reluctant to let you know what he was thinking. His was a voice of sanity, clarity and hope. He will be greatly missed.