Charles Lee Thomas was born on April 11, 1961, to the late Armour Parks, Jr., and Ola Mae Thomas in Manning,
Louisiana.
Charles grew up and graduated high school in Pineland, Texas. After serving four years as a Cannon Crewman
for the National Guard, Charles's work life began in the trucking business, where he faithfully hauled logs until his
health began to fail. Despite health concerns, he found a new passion as a security guard, where he served at the "Black Sheep" for nearly twenty years.
After being diagnosed with cancer, Charles never stopped working. He delivered newspapers, remodeled homes,
worked construction, and repaired and detailed cars. He was also known and appreciated around the community
for his amazing barbecue. He was the true definition of a "Jack of all trades." Charles later found a spiritual home at
Armstrong CME, where he assisted with painting and the upkeep of the church. Charles spent his final days working as the Maintenance and Repair Manager at Village Walk Apartments.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Louisa Thomas; parents; step-mother, Lula Jane Parks; one brother, Howard
Ray Parks; two sisters, Katherine and Debra Thomas; and one brother-in-law, Earnest Smith.
Charles leaves to cherish his memories: his life partner, Eva L. Armstrong; four daughters, NaTasha (David) Hinton
of Pineland, TX, Kesha (Gerald) Johnson of Jasper, TX, Malonia Brumley of College Station, and Justice Brumley of Houston, TX; six sons, Charles (Tyra) Thomas of Pineland, Shandon (Y'vette) Galloway of Pearland, Darius (Melissa) and Zachary (Kyla) Garrett of Brookeland, and Rickel Thomas, and Lemathis Brumley of Jasper (together his children blessed him with twenty-five grandchildren); nine brothers, Gerald Thomas, Richard, David (Vicki), Wilton (Wanda), Jeff (Ann), Gary (Debra), Paul Anthony (Sissy), Howard O'Brian, and Reggie Parks; three sisters, Julia (Harvis) White, Lisa Smith, and Felisha (Donald Ray) Parks; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly.