1934 ~ 2020
The Hon. Tracy R. Thomas, Sr., 86, passed away peacefully in his Paradise Valley, Arizona home surrounded by family and loved ones on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2020.
Tracy was born on September 22, 1934 in the Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona to Emral Albert (Tom) Thomas and Florence (Honey) Pearcy Thomas. He attended Osborn Grade School, North Phoenix High School, and the University of Arizona. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1957 for a period of two years.
Tracy had a successful business career as having been president and founder of a number Arizona-based companies in the fields of consumer products distribution, manufacturing, construction of commercial buildings, and numerous retail entities. Some of those included: Arizona Wholesale Supply Company, National Brands, Inc., Quality Distributors, Inc., and Signature Industries, Inc.
He was married to Martha Taylor Thomas in 1980. Their son, Tracy R. Thomas II, was born in 1988 in the Good Samaritan Hospital.
Tracy was a larger than life figure making indelible impressions on everyone he met and everywhere he went. He was never afraid to share his strongly-held opinions and beliefs. He had a rich sense of humor, a passion for storytelling, and an uncanny ability to have fun along the way. He was a dedicated Christian and a member of Valley Presbyterian Church. He believed in the virtues of free markets, limited government, and personal responsibility. Tracy was a force to be reckoned with and left behind a formidable legacy of leadership, community involvement, strong relationships, and devotion to public service.
As a lifelong Arizonan, his love for the state, its history, and its people ran deep. Each summer since childhood, Tracy could be found in Iron Springs, AZ enjoying the outdoors and cooler weather with friends and family. For many years, he was an avid golfer with “the world’s best practice range game,” as he would say. Every so often, he was known to successfully translate those abilities to the golf course.
Tracy was heavily involved in many endeavors in the community as a board member, volunteer, or officer including the following: The Thunderbirds – Big Chief 1978; Phoenix Civic Plaza Corporation – President; Goldwater Institute – Co-Founder and Chairman; Arizona Historical Foundation; Phoenix Chamber of Commerce; Arizona Governors’ Slim Committee; Lincoln Caucus; Arizona Republican Party; Consular Corps of Arizona – Honorary Foreign Consul, El Salvador – 1984-2007; Young Presidents Association (YPO) and World Presidents Association (Amigos Forum); University of Arizona – Charter Member National Board of Advisors, Eller College of Management; and Paradise Valley Country Club.
Tracy is survived by his wife Martha Taylor Thomas and his son Tracy R. Thomas II both of Paradise Valley, AZ; two older brothers, Terrence W. Thomas of Paradise Valley, AZ and Theodore A. Thomas of Guaymas, Mexico; his daughters Tami Thomas of Durango, CO, Cary Thomas of Phoenix, AZ, and his son Matthew Thomas of Cupertino, CA. He is also survived by one grandson Tyler Thomas of Telluride, CO and numerous nephews and nieces.
He joins his sister Nancy Honor Thomas Fleming and their parents in Heaven.
Due to the current state of the pandemic, the family is choosing to hold memorial services to celebrate Tracy’s life at a time and place yet to be determined. An announcement with additional details will be forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Tracy R. Thomas, Sr. to the Phoenix Rescue Mission. Donations can be made by visiting https://phoenixrescuemission.org and including a note in memory of Tracy, by calling 602-346-3330, or by mailing a gift to PO Box 6709, Phoenix, AZ 85005. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
Johnny Basha
My heartfelt condolences to Tracy’s family. Tracy was a very special man and it’s so sad to lose an Arizona Icon like Tracy Thomas. A man of great faith, love for family and astute business man. He was generous in sharing his wisdom of which I was a lucky benefactor. Tracy was a hero many times over. Aa a young boy he jumped in the water at Granite Dells in Prescott to save his drowning friend, the late Eddie Basha, Jr. Rest In Peace Tracy. Love you mucho.
Johnny Basha
Charlie and Sherri Maxson
Martha,
Sherri and I were saddened to read that Tracy had passed away. He was always so gracious and personable when we were around him and his “larger than life” persona will be missed.
Our thoughts are with you and Tracy II at this time.
I hope we are able to express our condolences in person at a later time if and when you are able to have a memorial service.
Charlie and Sherri Maxson
The Jim Carter Family
Many memories sharing times with the Thomas family, but, one we cherish; After sharing Easter lunch with Martha and Tracy, at our home, Tracy sat down on the floor of the living room to pet the two tiny poodles that were part of our family. Martha got busy, with the rest of us, clearing the table to serve dessert. When we looked back into the living room, Tracy had fallen asleep under the piano with the two tiny poodles nestled beside him. We were also privileged to witness Tracy’s scriptural baptism, giving testimony that he had put his trust in Jesus Christ as personal Savior, which gives us assurance that he is now in the Presence of the One who made Heaven possible. Rest well, dear friend!
Love to you, and prayers for you, Martha and family!