Carter A. Thomas, Sr., 87, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI. He was the beloved husband of Carol E. (Guy) Thomas for 65 wonderful years. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Charles W. Thomas, Jr., and Gladys A. (Johnson) Thomas.
Carter was a loving father to Carter A. Thomas, Jr. (Yasmina), Kristine D. Thomas-Jones (Robert), and Neil Williford, and a proud grandfather to J ’Kiah, Carter III, and Israel. His siblings, Charles W. Thomas III and Eloise A. Thomas preceded him in death.
Carter was a lifelong resident of Warwick and a man of many talents and accomplishments. In 1972, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Roger Williams University, laying the foundation for a successful career in leadership and management.
He held numerous supervisory and managerial positions, including a supervisory position at BIF and superintendent for the Speidel division of Textron in North Smithfield, RI. He was also actively involved in community service through Textron, supporting programs such as the summer program at Camp David and the Textron Tennis Program, and he sat on the Textron Scholarship committee, assisting students in securing college scholarships. In addition, he held management positions as an Administrator and General Forman at General Dynamics. He later served as Director of Safety and Security for Morse Diesel, where he contributed to the development of the Providence Place Mall.
Carter was dedicated to his faith and served as a Deacon at Pond Street Baptist Church for many years. Later, he became a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, the church of his late parents, who also served as Deacons and Deaconesses.
A gifted musician, Carter played the saxophone, clarinet, and flute. He was a member of the Night Life Orchestra, performing at many venues throughout the state. He also served his country as a member of the 88th Army Band, retiring from the Rhode Island National Guard after over 20 years of honorable service.
In retirement, Carter remained dedicated to his community, working part-time for the City of Warwick. Mayor Lincoln Chafee appointed him to the Planning Board, where he served from 1997 to 2007, and he later joined the Sewage Board of Review, serving from 2007 to the present. However, what Carter cherished most during retirement was the time he spent as a loving and devoted grandfather.
Known for his warmth and vibrant spirit, he brought joy to those around him with a laugh larger than life.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a life ceremony celebration beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Avenue, Warwick.
His funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, with a procession departing the funeral home at 9:30 a.m., followed by a service at 10:00 a.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 475 Cranston Street, Providence. Carter will be laid to rest with Military Honors at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter.
