Thomas Lee Solomon Jr.

Celebration of Life Services for Thomas L. Solomon, Jr. will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 1PM. These services will be recorded and streamed live. If the event is interrupted at any time due to technical issues, the entire event will be uploaded and available to view later in the day. Please copy and paste the link to share, or simply click on the link to view the event. https://vimeo.com/event/3883332 Thomas Lee Solomon, Jr., age 94, was born April 15, 1929 to the late Deacon Thomas L. Solomon, Sr. and the late Mrs. Willie A. Solomon in Locust Grove, GA. He gained his wings to heaven on November 13, 2023 at his residence in McDonough, GA. Thomas, affectionately known by many as Junior, joined the Bethlehem Baptist Church, Locust Grove, GA at an early age where he served faithfully until his health declined. He received his education in the Henry County School System. Thomas was the loving and devoted husband of Marion Solomon to whom he was joined in holy matrimony on March 6, 1949. He was a dedicated father to five loving children: Gwen, Eddie, Larry, Gail, and Joyce. He was blessed with 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife and one grandson, Thomas Christopher Solomon. As a young man, Thomas was ordained to the Bethlehem Baptist Church ministry of deacons and served as Chairman for over 20 years. He also served numerous years as a Sunday School teacher and Superintendent of Sunday School. He was a member of the Senior Choir and founding member of the Male Chorus and Laymen Ministry. He was also instrumental in organizing the annual New Years Eve Community Service in Henry County. His love for Bethlehem was unmeasurable. He gave of himself spiritually, physically, and financially to ensure the success of the church. Thomas was a successful entrepreneur who owned and operated his own businesses for over 25 years. Beginning in 1957, he and his wife opened what was known to the community as Solomon’s Café in McDonough GA. He later opened a service station also in McDonough, GA., which quickly grew to become one of the most successful black owned businesses in Henry County. He also retired from the Henry County Board of Education after 23 years in transportation. Among his many skills, he was also a building contractor. Thomas was a born leader. He served for a few years as local and national President of the Solomon Family Reunion. He was civically engaged and well known for his leadership and involvement in the community. He served as P.T.A. President at Henry County Training and Westside High Schools; Boy Scout troop leader; Board of Directors and later Advisory Board Member of A Friend’s House and lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge earning his 33rd Degree, Supreme Council. He served as Worshipful Master, Locust Grove Masonic Lodge #573; District Deputy, Jackson District #3 Masonic Lodge; Treasurer, Grand Consistory; Past President, Supreme Council (33rd Degree), National Chaplain, Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge F&AAY Masons USA. Thomas was politically engaged throughout Henry County and specifically in the Blacksville community where he lived. He was the first African American to run for public office in Henry County. He was President of the Henry County Voter’s League registering over 300 people during his tenure. He served on the Selective Service Board and the Henry County Planning and Zoning Board for many years. Thomas was a man of many attributes: loving, caring, friendly, brave, dedicated to name a few. However, his greatest attributes were his love for God and his ability to impart wisdom on others. He had a love for the outdoors and was known by many for his garden and his tractor. He also loved to fish and hunt. Thomas was preceded in death by sisters, Zelma Dean, Martha Bell, Ruby Robinson, Ruth Brown, Ali Avery, Nancy Jones and Catherine Williams, brothers, Walter Solomon, Grady Solomon, Charles Solomon, and Melvin Solomon. He leaves to cherish his memories: daughter, Gwendolyn McCord (Lorenza), sons, Eddie Dean Solomon, Larry Darnell Solomon, daughters, Abigail Manns (Rickey McDaniel), Thomasa Joyce Dulaney; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild, honorary son, Franklin Cochran (Rosa), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Thomas Lee Solomon Jr.

April 15, 1929 - November 13, 2023