JR Lee Thomas was born in Forney, Texas to the parents of Bud Abe Thomas and Corine Reed Thomas, January 30, 1946. He received his education from GW Carver/Benjamin Banneker High School in Seagoville, Texas.  He gave his life to Christ at an early age and was taught about the Lord.  JR was married to his first wife Helen Jefferson Thomas and to this union he raised a total of four children, and he later married Syndney Francine Smith Thomas. He was a member of Union Chapel Baptist Church in the early 1980's and he rededicated his life to Christ and later joined Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church.  He was a dedicated member of the church, and the Pastor would often say, "This brother is too clean".

Back in the day, JR was the jack of all trades. He knew how to do plumbing; carpentry and he knew how to build a house. He loved playing dominoes and would often say, "Ella won't do nothing I tell la", which meant he was winning, and others were losing. He was well provided for and lived with loving daughter Sophia Thomas. She made sure her dad was well taken care of and she was right by his side until his last breath.

He was proceeded in death by her parents Bud Abe Thomas, Corine Thomas, brothers Wayne Banks (Lela), Nathanial Banks (Joyce) and sister Gladys Roberson (Clint).

He leaves to cherish his beloved daughters- Sophia Thomas, Qwendolyn Thomas, Tarina Tyson and sons- James Thomas (Lacaonda), Michael Chambers, Stacy Chambers, Jymon Tyson (Rolandra-"Candy") and   Jermaine Tyson, James Kinta Minafee; Siblings, Dorothy Richmond, Bud Thomas (Jennifer), Dianne Sanders (Danny), Carolyn Hudson (Bobby) and Leonard Thomas. A very special best friend: Jimmy Carol and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends that loved him dearly.