Gary G. Thomas Sr.

Gary Thomas Sr. Obituary Gary George Thomas, Sr. was born in Cleveland, OH on September 26, 1936, the second of three sons born to Harry and Anne (nee Helm) Thomas. He grew up in the Glenville neighborhood near the Cleveland Cultural Gardens on East 97th Street, in a nurturing neighborhood, where he made life-long friends and memories. A proud “Tarblooder”, Gary attended Cleveland Public Schools where he excelled academically, as well as in art and athletics. Early in life, it was evident that Gary was uniquely gifted in art and drawing. He loved sports, and while his size limited his ability to participate in his first love, football, he successfully competed on the track teams at Empire Junior High and Glenville High School, receiving numerous awards and recognition for his achievements. In his last year at Glenville, he was able to join the Football Team, but unfortunately, was sidelined after 3 games due to a health issue. He received many school honors for art and leadership; as a high school Senior, he submitted his work in the Scholastic Magazines National High School Art Exhibition and was awarded a Certificate of Merit for Mixed Media. Upon graduation from high school in 1954, Gary won a scholarship from Syracuse University to further his studies in art. After two years, he returned to Cleveland to complete his studies at the Cooper School of Art. Gary met the love of his life, Dolly Mayle, in Cleveland while both were on summer break from college. They married and were devoted to one another for over 64 years. From their union, Gary and Dolly were blessed with two children, Teresa (Terri) and Gary Jr.; five cherished grandchildren. In 2021, they welcomed their first great-grandchild. Gary’s first job as an advertising illustrator was with Sterling, Lindner & Davis department store in Cleveland. Following a brief stint at an advertising agency in Akron and driving a cab, he was hired by Manning Studios, where he worked for over 8 years. He was the first Black artist hired in the city by an advertising agency. Gary worked at American Greetings and Kuban Studios before finally going out on his own. As an advertising illustrator, Gary’s work was included in the materials of major corporations, including Marriott, Wendy’s, Shell Oil, Seagrams Distillers, Stouffers, P&G, Republic Steel, Eaton, and Wilson Sporting Goods. Throughout his career, Gary combined his love of sports and art; he estimated that he had painted or drawn over 400 different sports stars. One of his favorite subjects was Jim Brown, with whom he had become friends at Syracuse. Gary became the dominant artist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton since it opened in 1963 and for the next 50 years, providing 65% of the pieces of art that accompanied the enshrined busts. Gary also painted 12 murals for the Bowling Hall or Fame in St. Louis, MO. and in 1985 he began painting portraits of the enshrined for the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in Atlanta, GA, painting 53 portraits over a seven year period. He also produced pieces of art for The Ohio State University, Notre Dame University, Miami of Ohio University, The Cleveland Browns, The Cleveland Cavaliers, Goal Line Art, Gateway Stamp Co. In 2004, he became the artist for Dominion Power Company’s “Strong Men and Women - Excellence in Leadership” program, which annually honored 9 prominent African Americans in Dominion’s five state area. Until the program ended in 2012, he had painted 68 portraits, his own included (2011). In many ways, Gary was a trailblazer in the profession of advertising illustration. He enjoyed sharing his experience and lessons learned with aspiring artists, helping in any way he could, and becoming a mentor to many. Gary’s talent opened opportunities for him to meet many famous people during his lifetime, however family was always most important to Gary. He was a devoted husband and father. He took great delight in his grandchildren, who became the subjects of several of his paintings. He was a beloved brother, favorite uncle, cousin, brother-in-law, and friend. He was truly young at heart, known for his sense of humor, silly faces, and comical antics which brought joy and laughter to family and social gatherings. He was very personable and could easily make new friends from all walks of life. He was an avid fan of the Browns and Buckeyes, enjoyed playing golf and chess, was a lover of music (all types of genres), an admirer and student of Classical art, and marveled at the majesty and diversity of God’s Creation. He had a heart for social justice causes which was often reflected in his work. Gary was preceded in death by his parents (Harry & Anne Thomas), and his brother (Kenneth Thomas). He leaves his legacy of love to his wife, Dolly, his children Teresa Morrison (Willie) and Gary, Jr. (Linda); grandchildren Khaliah Jones (Brandon), Thomas Morrison (Ashley), Taylor Thomas, Sydney Fletcher (Isaac), and Jordan Thomas; great-grandchild Lindsay Jones; his brother Norman Thomas, and a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He will be forever in our hearts. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary G. Thomas Sr., please visit our floral store. Read More

Gary G. Thomas Sr.

September 26, 1936 - January 18, 2022