In an official post via social Media, the family of stalwart Virgin Islands businessman, Rotarian and founder of Clarence Thomas Limited announced the passing of the Virgin Islands businessman.
The post stated, “The Thomas Family is sad to announce the passing of our patriarch Clarence C. Thomas 1936-2022.”
Mr. Thomas, 86 years was well known for his contributions towards the businessman community in providing empire-building initiatives that allowed Virgin Islanders a door to small businesses and a number of philanthropic efforts both through his business and the Rotary Club of Tortola. Thomas, passed away this morning, January 21st, 2022.
In February 2018, the Rotary Club of Tortola, for which Thomas was a faithful member, honored Mr. Thomas at its Fiftieth Anniversary celebration, for his remarkable contributions as a Rotarian.
In an official statement, The family of Clarance C Thomas Limited issued the following statement, “Clarence Cecil Thomas is survived by his immediate family, his wife Maybel Frett-Thomas, his daughter Jacqueline, sons Michael, David and Neil Thomas and many other relatives.
Clarence Cecil Thomas, a pioneer in the Virgin Islands Community was a master plumber having acquired his welding and plumbing skills from a two-year training programme in Puerto Rico, created by the United States Government.
After his sojourn in the U.S. Virgin Islands where he became a licensed plumber, he returned home as the British Virgin Islands first licensed plumbing contractor. In 1965 he formed Clarence Thomas Limited, a Plumbing Company that significantly contributed to the construction of the territory’s hospital and many large hotels. Recognizing the need for Plumbing supplies in the territory, he created a plumbing supply store under a Cherry Tree in his yard in his beloved community of Sea Cow’s Bay. The Clarence Thomas Plumbing Supplies store expanded in stages over a period of fifty years to become the Virgin Islands largest building supplies, housewares, and maintenance store; now called CTL Home Center Limited with locations at Fish Bay, Tortola and Valley, Virgin Gorda.
Clarence exemplified service above self as one of the first members of the Rotary Club of Tortola and a Paul Harris Fellow Awardee. He also received numerous other awards for his pioneering and entrepreneurial Virgin Islands spirit.
Clarence Thomas was a kind and generous man who passed on his plumbing skills to many young men in the Virgin Islands community who became full-fledged plumbing contractors in their own right. He contributed generously to the country’s education, healthcare, and infrastructure and gave his continuous support to many charities. His legacy lives on through CTL Home Center Limited and his beloved wife Maybel and children Jacqueline, Michael, David and Neil. May his soul rest in peace.”
The family also asked for those wishing to submit tributes to do so by sending photos and tributes via email to David Thomas dthomas@ctlbvi.com.
On behalf of the ownership, management and staff of 284 Media, CCT and BVI Cable TV we extend our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Thomas and the management of Clarence Thomas Limited.