Grover Lee Thomas, Sr., was born October 23, 1941, in

Sardis, Alabama to the late Frank and Mary Eliza Thomas. He was their tenth child. In 1956, Grover moved to Cleveland with his family.

Once in Cleveland, Grover attended the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Around 1964, he met and married DeLois Harris. Of this union they had three sons, Michael, Grover Jr., and  Christopher. DeLois preceded him in death. Grover worked to provide for his family, mainly in construction. He proudly had his own dump truck that said “Grover and Sons” on it even though neither son was old enough to work let alone drive the truck. Grover went on to work in construction for the City of Cleveland in the Water Dept. for over 17 years and was member of the Local Engineers Operators Union.

Grover was a passionate bowler, known in Cleveland and beyond as “Swoop”. He also played pool, cards, and enjoyed listening to the blues. He would also watch westerns on TV.

After briefly being ill, Grover departed this life on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Fourteen siblings preceded him in death. Brothers, James (Geneva), Frank (Ola Ree), Archie (Eureka deceased), Cleveland, Lawrence, Ralph, and Elijah Thomas; sisters, Geraldine and Earldine Thomas, Mariah Thomas,   Carrie Lee Perry (Richard deceased), Pecolia Beck (Ernest deceased), Evelyn Moss-Thomas, and Essie Thomas.

Grover leaves to cherish his memory, sons Michael, Grover Jr., and Christopher Thomas, 8 grandchildren, 8 great     grandchildren, devoted brother Leon Thomas (Anne deceased), Aunt Mary G. Rucker, loving niece Taneisha Thomas-Allen and a host of relatives and friends.