Gary George Thomas, Sr. was born in Cleveland, OH on September 26, 1936, the second of three sons born to Harry and Anne (nee Helm) Thomas. He grew up in the Glenville neighborhood near the Cleveland Cultural Gardens on East 97 St., a nurturing neighborhood where he made life-long friends and memories. A proud “Tarblooder”, Gary excelled academically, as well as in art and athletics. 

He loved sports, and while his size limited his ability to participate in his first love, football, he successfully competed on the track teams at Empire Junior High and Glenville High School, receiving numerous awards and recognition for his achievements. In his last year at Glenville, he was able to join the Football Team, but unfortunately, was sidelined after 3 games due to a health issue. 

Early in life, it was evident that Gary was uniquely gifted in art and drawing. He received many school honors for art and leadership. As a senior, he submitted his work in the Scholastic Magazines National High School Art Exhibition and was awarded a Certificate of Merit for Mixed Media. Upon graduation from high school in 1954, Gary won a scholarship from Syracuse University to further his studies in art. After two years, he returned to Cleveland to complete his studies at the Cooper School of Art.

Gary met the love of his life, Dolly Mayle, in Cleveland while both were on summer break from college.  They married and were devoted to one another for over 64 years.  From their union, Gary and Dolly were blessed with two children, Teresa (Terri) and Gary Jr.; five cherished grandchildren. They welcomed their first great-grandchild last year.

Gary’s first job as an advertising illustrator was with Sterling, Lindner & Davis department store in Cleveland. Following a brief stint at an advertising agency in Akron and driving a cab, he was hired by Manning Studios, where he worked for over 8 years.  He was the first black artist hired in the city by an advertising agency. Gary worked at American Greetings and Kuban Studios before finally going out on his own.

As an advertising illustrator, Gary’s work was included in the materials of major corporations, including Marriott, Wendy’s, Shell Oil, Seagrams Distillers, Stouffers, P&G, Republic Steel, Eaton, and Wilson Sporting Goods. Throughout his career, Gary combined his love of sports and art; he estimated that he had painted or drawn over 400 different sports stars. One of his favorite subjects was Jim Brown, with whom he had become friends at Syracuse.

Gary became the preferred artist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton from its 1963 opening. For the next 50 years he provided 65% of the art pieces that accompanied the enshrined busts.

Gary Thomas painted scores of murals of Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees — including Lem Barney [20] and Bob Griese [12]. Used with permission.

Gary also painted 12 murals for the Bowling Hall or Fame in St. Louis, MO. and in 1985 he began painting portraits of the inductees for the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in Atlanta, GA, painting 53 portraits over a seven year period. He also produced art work for The Ohio State University, Notre Dame University, Miami of Ohio University, The Cleveland Browns, The Cleveland Cavaliers, Goal Line Art, and Gateway Stamp Co.   In 2004, he became the artist for Dominion Power Company’s “Strong Men and Women - Excellence in Leadership” program, which annually honored nine prominent African Americans in Dominion’s five state area. By the time the program ended in 2012, he had painted 68 portraits, including his own (2011). 

In many ways, Gary was a trailblazer in the profession of advertising illustration. He enjoyed sharing his experience and lessons learned with aspiring artists, becoming a mentor to many of them.

Gary’s talent opened opportunities for him to meet many famous people during his lifetime, however family was always most important to Gary. He was a devoted husband and father. He took great delight in his grandchildren, who became the subjects of several of his paintings. He was a beloved brother, favorite uncle, cousin, brother-in-law, and friend. He was truly young at heart, known for his sense of humor, silly faces, and comical antics which brought joy and laughter to family and social gatherings. He was very personable and could easily make new friends from all walks of life. He was an avid fan of the Browns and Buckeyes, enjoyed playing golf and chess, was a lover of music of many genres, and an admirer and student of classical art.  He had a heart for social justice causes which was often reflected in his work.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents (Harry & Anne Thomas), and his brother (Kenneth Thomas). He is survived by his wife, Dolly, his children Teresa Morrison (Willie) and Gary, Jr. (Linda); grandchildren Khaliah Jones (Brandon), Thomas Morrison (Ashley), Taylor Thomas, Sydney Fletcher (Isaac), and Jordan Thomas; great-grandchild Lindsay Jones; his brother Norman Thomas, and a host of in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.