Ozro T. Thomas

Ozro Tyrone Thomas “James” was born May 11, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois to James and Fannie Thomas. His parents, his brother, Johnny Dandridge and his granddaughter, Aneerah Clark Thomas preceded him in death.

Ozro was baptized at Cross Temple COGIC in Chicago where Bishop Moses Cross, Sr. was pastor.

Ozro graduated from St. Brendan Catholic Elementary School in 1968. He played football at Hales Franciscan High School where he graduated in 1972. He attended Lincoln College in Jackson, Tennessee. After college he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served for thirteen years. He took the motto “Semper Fi” seriously.

He started his truck driving career in 1995 when he attended JB Hunt Truck Driving School in Rantoul, IL anddrove for various companies until he retired in 2018.

He married Margo Phillips on February 3, 1985. To this union, his only son, James Thomas was born. 

Ozro was a great cook; his specialty was potato salad, gumbo, seafood, and barbecuing, which he did for his family and friends. He loved to entertain and often had cook outs and gatherings at his home. He loved homemade ice cream that he requested when he went south to visit relatives.

Ozro got married for a second time to Allyson Burns in June of 1995 and they made a comfortable and loving life in Rantoul, IL. Allyson faithfully cared for him during his illness.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Allyson, his son: James Thomas, his bonus children: Ayodele “Alero” (Romane) Bernard, Eboni Burns, and Malori Turner, his grandchildren: Chyan M. Thomas, Samon’ A. Thomas, Jayuana J. Ball, Josiah J. Thomas, Zariah M Thomas, Julius K. Thomas, Ivy Guzman, Gabby Murphy, Kyla Burn,Abeo Bernard, god sister: Lisa Cross-Ware, his cousin who was like a sister: Glenda (Michael) Hunter, nephews: Johnny Dandridge, Clifton (Ruby) Dandridge, David Hunter, nieces: Hazel (Willie) Whiting, Abigail Means, a special cousin: Amos Conard and a host of cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will commence at 11:00 am Friday August 4, 2023 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home 1215 W. Bradley Ave., Urbana. A visitation will begin at 10:00 am until the time of the service. Interment: Danville National Cemetery.

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