Thomas was born in Shelby, NC and moved to Buffalo, NY at the age of 15

Thomas attended Lafayette high school and worked for Olmsted Center for Sight where he became a model employee because he loved keeping things clean and in good repair. Thomas was nominated as employee of the year for his willingness to perform any job as needed and his all-around personality. 

Thomas had a talent for photography and gardening. The family called him " the man with the green thumb."

He loved taking pictures of everyone, he was so in love with the fact that a snap of a photo would hold many memories. Those were his hobbies while off from work.

Thomas is resting peacefully now alongside his late wife (Juanita degree ), mother (Jessis Bell) and father (Thomas degree Sr.).

He leaves behind:

Siblings: Marshall Degree, Melvin Degree, Mary Louise Degree-Yarborough

Children: Nathanael Degree, Jerald Degree

And a host of grandchildren (Rachel degree, ebony degree)nieces (Lori, Marquis) nephews( Joey, Rob).