I looked up to Mr. John Harry Thomas, who passed away May 31, 2010, as an older brother role model since the age of 5. I was reared up in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church where Mr. Thomas was a person we looked up to and admired. A man that the older members of the church admired and were very proud of. Mr. Thomas led by example. He was a person you could go to regardless of your problems. He set such an extraordinary example for leadership for many young men and women who went on to become community activists both in Columbus and other places they lived.
After returning from the military (U.S. Army) Mr. Thomas became a very strict disciplinarian to the fact if you got out of line, his approach would for sure get you in the right direction. On the police force he was a force to be recognized. His technique was so effective and intact he was frightening, and you just preferred to do the right thing.
We certainly stay at attention in his presence and out of his way. To make a long story short, he had the attitude and presence to instill in a younger and older person to do the right time. He encouraged younger people to grow up and be responsible adults. If we had more men and women with his discipline the entire world will be a better place. So I say to my fallen brother and comrade thank you for you, and to his family he will be highly missed as a highly respected person and legend in his time, because we all loved him dearly, and his home and the rocking chairs will help us in the memory of this great wonderful individual.
Roy Milton Hicks
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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