Lincoln Thomas,

Lincoln Thomas, Sr. was born on November 16, 1946 in Steer Town, St. Ann, Jamaica, the first of eight children to Hubert and Esther Thomas. As a youth, Lincoln attended the Chalky Hill Primary School and was active in The Scout Association of Jamaica. He completed his education at St. Dominics in St. Ann's Bay, where he studied bookkeeping. Lincoln was musically inclined and frequently sang with Justin Hinds & The Dominoes--who later enjoyed international acclaim as preeminent reggae vocalists.

While in Jamaica, Lincoln excelled in the tourism and hospitality industry, working in the Hilton and Eden II hotels in Ocho Rios and throughout the Caribbean and South America on a cruise ship, the Sun Viking. He was famous for his rum punch and in fact earned several accolades for the creation of unique cocktails which are still enjoyed to this day. On November 24, 1973 he married his sweetheart, Joyce Brown, with whom he raised three children, Simone Thomas-Smid, Lincoln Thomas, Jr. and Nakia Thomas.

In 1988, Lincoln and his family immigrated to the United States, where he enjoyed living in his new home of the Bronx, New York and spent the last 22 years of his life working in the security industry. He recently celebrated 15 years of working at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan, New York.

Affectionately known as "Surrey" or "Uncle Surrey" to close family and friends and as "Knicks" by his partners in dominoes, Lincoln thoroughly enjoyed old school reggae, loved sporting with his wife, Joyce, and playing dominoes. He loved the New York Knicks and was a fan of the New York Yankees. Lincoln enjoyed watching political commentary on the Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow shows and exploring the internet, where he recently became enamored with pandora.com and where he often checked news from his native Jamaica.

Lincoln is survived by his mother Esther Thomas; his wife of 37 years and partner of 40 years, Joyce Thomas; his children Simone Thomas-Smid, Lincoln Thomas, Jr. and Nakia Thomas; his grandchildren K-Shawn Bramble, Serenity Woody, Azzan Thomas and Pavla Smid; siblings Allan Thomas, Dezrene Ranger, Desmond Thomas, Max Thomas, Lenworth Thomas, Brian Thomas, Cecile (Juliet) Thomas-Bailey and Denton Thomas. Lincoln also leaves behind a large family including aunt Fedora (Tibby) Thomas, uncle Hubert (Sonny) Edwards, a large contingent of cousins and other relatives, 27 dear nieces and nephews, many in-laws, and a host of dear friends.

To his family and friends he will always be remembered as a peaceful and good-natured man, a devoted father and grandfather, beloved brother, dedicated son and a caring husband. He was adored by all those who crossed his path, known for his generosity and inability to say no, and he always placed the interest and welfare of those he loved ahead of himself. We hope to live up to his shining example and will treasure the rich legacy he leaves behind.