Rudolph Thomas

In Loving Memory of Rudolph Thomas
October 3, 1946 - October 20, 2026
Rudolph "Tomo" Thomas, a native son of Guyana, was born on October 3, 1946, in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana), South America. He was the fifth child born to James and Martha Thomas. Rudolph departed this life peacefully at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on October 20, 2026, at the age of 80.
A Life of Words, Creativity, and Purpose
Rudolph Thomas was a poet, songwriter, storyteller, and writer whose love for words began in childhood and continued throughout his life. Often described as the "Huckleberry Finn" and Mark Twain of Guyana, Rudolph possessed a remarkable gift for capturing the experiences of everyday life through his writing and storytelling. His work reflected his observations, imagination, experiences, and deep connection to his homeland.
As a boy and young man, Rudolph worked along the coastal Atlantic docks near the Stabroek Market in Georgetown, British Guiana, as well as on the farmlands of his beloved country. These early experiences helped shape his perspective on life and provided inspiration for the stories, poems, songs, and reflections he would write throughout his years.
As an adult, Rudolph held various jobs, including working as a security guard and serving in the mosquito control division of the Guyana Ministry of Health. He later immigrated to the United States, where he continued pursuing his lifelong passion for writing, music, and storytelling about love, history, culture, politics, religion, and his enduring adoration for Guyana and America.
Throughout his journey, Rudolph remained committed to learning, creativity, and personal growth. He was a member of the International Society of Poets and the National School of Conservation. His professional journey in the United States included working at the Oral Roberts University Village retirement community and City of Faith Hospital and the May's Drugstore distribution center. He eventually retired from St. Francis Hospital, where he worked as an X-ray transport technician.
Rudolph also earned an associate degree in Accounting from Tulsa Junior College, demonstrating his commitment to education and lifelong learning.
A Passion That Became His Legacy
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Rudolph was a devoted reader, poet, songwriter, gardener, and farmer. He enjoyed working with his hands and creating things, finding fulfillment in bringing his ideas to life.
Yet, among all his interests and pursuits, writing and music remained his greatest passions. Rudolph believed in the importance of putting his thoughts on paper and sharing them with the world. Throughout his life, he wrote numerous books, songs, poems, and reflections, leaving behind a body of creative work that expressed his thoughts, experiences, and unique view of the world.
For Rudolph, writing and music were more than hobbies; they were his life's mission. He continued to write poems, stories and song lyrics from childhood until his final days, faithfully pursuing the calling that had become such an essential part of who he was.
His life was a testament to the enduring power of words, the importance of creativity, and the determination to share one's voice with the world. Through his poetry, stories, and music, Rudolph leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to be remembered and cherished by those who knew him and those who will discover his work in the years to come.
Family and Loved Ones
Rudolph was preceded in death by his beloved parents, James and Martha Thomas; his two sisters, Mayfield Lewis and Paula Shervington; and his three brothers, Walter Thomas, Terry Thomas, and Lyndon Thomas.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved older sister, Myrtle Watson, who was just one year his senior, and his older brother, Alan Thomas. He is also survived by a large extended family, including numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, who will remember him with love and affection.
A Lasting Legacy
Rudolph Thomas was a son of Guyana, a storyteller at heart, and a man devoted to the written word. His journey carried him from the docks and farmlands of his homeland to a new life in the United States, but wherever life took him, his love for writing remained constant.
Though he has departed this earthly life, the words and songs he wrote, the stories he told, and the memories he created will continue to live on. His legacy is preserved not only in the pages he filled but also in the hearts of the family and loved ones he leaves behind.
May Rudolph Thomas rest peacefully in the presence of God, and may his words continue to speak for generations to come.
Services are currently pending.
Arrangements are in the care of Green Hill Funeral Home.