Randy was a great one for birthdays—no matter whose it was. He threw birthday parties for his workers; associates; wife; children; grandchildren; and mother.  ALL AT HIS EXPENSE—BIG TIME!!

Randy was grand for meeting the moment: graduations, wedding, anniversary,  and especially BBQs on holidays.  MANY people are going to both remember and miss that aspect of his life. 

I love you Randy for all your goodwill and endless generosity…marynell. 

Prayers are with the family of Willie “Randy” Thomas, owner of Thomas Land Clearing Company, especially his wife Josefina. What an individual and entrepreneur! I first recall meeting Mr. Thomas when I was a Buyer with the City of Long Beach back in 1987. He always gave me credit for his drive, determination and success. When he first bid on City projects, he often would be the highest bidder. I went on to inform him and other bidders that the City of Long Beach is a public entity, and as such could allow all bidders to review their competitors bids after bids closed. As I encouraged him to do so, I noticed that when he would review previous bids, he would begin to win many of debris removal bids. After I became the City of Long Beach Purchasing Director and Diversity and Economic Development Officer, I conducted monthly “How to Do Business with the City of Long Beach” workshops, to which Mr. Thomas often attended. During those sessions, I encouraged attendees to adhere to my 3 “Ps”, Preparedness, Promptness and Persistence. When he and others applied the 3 “P’s” to City bids, their success in doing business with the City of Long Beach increased tremendously. I saw his business expand through the years. Mr. Thomas also applied my 3 P’s to his personal life an saw an unbelievable change in his entire life.

Shortly after the Northridge earthquake on January 17, 1994, I received a call from Blenda Wilson, the then President of California State University, Northridge regarding the capability of the Thomas Land Clearing Company. The college had major earthquake damage and debris needed to be removed immediately. Mr. Thomas was the low bidder on the project. As The Thomas Land Clearing Company had really blossomed at this point, they, of course, received this major demolition contract and went on to receive other major demolition projects near and far. Mr. Thomas has always been a God-fearing person that loved his business, family and community. He has been bestowed numerous awards by public and private entities including the City of Long Beach (Business of the Year); MTA, 100 Black Men of Long Beach, Inc. (Corporate Citizen of the Year Award) and the list goes on. I was always happy to hear about major projects he was awarded by the State and Federal government, and especially, proud of the general contracting job to build Cabrillo High School in Long Beach. Every time I visit the school, I think of him. He would always give a helping hand to those in need by way of a job or donation. I spoke with him 2 weeks before his transition and he promised that we would go fishing soon. Live life to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Mr. Thomas lived his life to the fullest. He will be missed by many!!!!!!!!!

JESSE B. JOHNSON, Retired - City of Long Beach, Diversity & Economic Opportunity Officer and Founder of the 100 Black Men of Long Beach, Inc.

To the family of Randy Thomas, 

The family of Lee Darrington, Sr. extends our condolences in the passing of our great friend. We just received word of his passing today. We send our thoughts and prayers in deepest sympathy.  Randy and my father Lee Darrington, Sr were close friends and together they received their AA degrees at Long Beach City College. Mr. Thomas was an inspiration that included generosity to the fullest. Several in the community were touched by his nature. There are several schools in the Long Beach Unified School District that have marquees donated by Thomas Land Clearing. I remember him working on a clearing some vegetation at the Bowling alley on Santa Fe  Avenue the determination he showed made an impression on me that l still remember to this day. My father and Randy traveled together often. My father also worked forJESDEBES and l credit that to helping my father in his fight with cancer because it kept him busy! Randy personally  helped me move in 1981,  No doubt he will be greatly missed by everyone . His smile, his encouragement and his determination will be treasured always.

Thank you for sharing him with us.

Lee Darrington, Jr.