John Roi Thomas, Sr., affectionately known as "Roi", was born in Winder, GA on November 27, 1926 to the late Nathaniel and Callie Long Thomas. He passed away September 25, 2014. He graduated from Lincoln Academy in Kings Mountain, NC. Roi enlisted in the Navy, served his country in World War II, and was honorably discharged in 1946.

On March 1, 1951, Roi began his career as a firefighter. He was one of the first eight African-American firemen for the City of Winston-Salem and worked at the first integrated fire station in North Carolina. This historic milestone has been commemorated in numerous ways, most notably in the video, "Engine Four". Roi served the City for thirty years, retiring from the fire department in January 1981. He was then employed by the WSFC School System and worked for fifteen years until his retirement in 1996.

Roi leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 57 years, Savannah of the home; his daughter, Gwendolyn Robinson (Larry) of Greensboro, NC; his son, John Roi Thomas, Jr. of Nashua, NH; two grandsons, Shay Robinson (Tonya) of College Park, MD and Shawn Robinson of Greensboro, NC; his sister, Ethel Crooks of Greensboro, NC; a special sister-in-law, Yvonne Johnson of Cary, NC; a special friend, J.D. Hendrix of W-S, NC; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at Wentz Memorial United Church of Christ with Dr. James L.E. Hunt officiating. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11am until 12noon on Tuesday at the Church.