Businessman Clarence Thomas has died
The following is an announcement from CTL Home Centre.
The patriarch and founder of Clarence Thomas Limited has passed.
Clarence Cecil Thomas is survived by his immediate family, his wife Maybel Frett-Thomas, his daughter Jacqueline, sons Michael, David and Neil Thomas and many other relatives.
Clarence Cecil Thomas, a pioneer in the Virgin Islands Community was a master plumber having acquired his welding and plumbing skills from a two-year training programme in Puerto Rico, created by the United States Government. After his sojourn in the US Virgin Islands where he became a licensed plumber, he returned home as the British Virgin Islands first licensed plumbing contractor.
In 1965 he formed Clarence Thomas Limited, a Plumbing Company that significantly contributed to the construction of the territory’s hospital and many large hotels. Recognizing the need for Plumbing supplies in the territory, he created a plumbing supply store under a Cherry Tree in his yard in his beloved community of Sea Cow’s Bay.
The Clarence Thomas Plumbing Supplies store expanded in stages over a period of fifty years to become the Virgin Islands largest building supplies, housewares, and maintenance store; now called CTL Home Center Limited with locations at Fish Bay, Tortola and Valley, Virgin Gorda.
Clarence exemplified service above self as one of the first members of the Rotary Club of Tortola and a Paul Harris Fellow Awardee. He also received numerous other awards for his pioneering and entrepreneurial Virgin Islands spirit.
Clarence Thomas was a kind and generous man who passed on his plumbing skills to many young men in the Virgin Islands community who became full-fledged plumbing contractors in their own right.
He contributed generously to the country’s education, healthcare, and infrastructure and gave his continuous support to many charities. His legacy lives on through CTL Home Center Limited and his beloved wife Maybel and children Jacqueline, Michael, David and Neil.
May his soul rest in peace.
Kindy submit photos and tributes via email to David Thomas [email protected]
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So sorry to read this. A great example for everyone in the BVI of what can be done and be a great benefit to all.
I always say that this is the way a true business should operate. I’ve watched it grow from place to place and from strength to strength while all staying in family hands. I remember as a little boy when it used to be by the stoplight at Peasea where employees had to pass you supplies over the counter. Look at it now. Well done Michael, Jackie and David and Neil. May God continue to grow, strengthen and keep you all. And may He give you the strength to cope with your loss. Please accept my sympathies.
“watch the game”
Our condolences and prayers ? on behalf of Family Thomas with the passing of Mr. Clarence Thomas your Dear Husband and Father and Family Member and Friend. Bro Michael, the legacy is to be carried on. Revelation 14:12, 13.