Garland "Goldie" Thomas of Rockford departed this earthly life on Monday, February 22, 2016 at home surrounded by family. He was born December 8, 1950 to Matthew and Tommie Lee (Chitman) Thomas in Mt. Holly, AR. Garland was employed at Chrysler Corporation in Belvidere for 31 years, retiring in 2001. Garland leaves to cherish his wife of 21 years, Barbara (McCusker) Thomas; sons, Donnell "D-Man" (Dene) Thomas of Houston, TX , Tonnie (Vanessa) Thomas of Rockford; daughters, LaWanda (Chris) Scrol of Rockford, Elizabeth Thomas of Rockford, Tommie Thomas of Chicago; step-children, Roshawnda Davis of St. Louis, MO, Louis Davis of Phoenix, AR; 17 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; brothers; Parnell (Virginia) Thomas, of Rockford, Johnnie (India) Thomas of Rockford, Aaron (Kim) Thomas of Rockford; sister; Carolyn Butlerof Camden, AR; brother-in-law; Willie Arnold of Rockford; along with a host of nieces, nephews as well as other family and friends. Predeceased by his parents, brothers; Robert Thomas and Cherrio Thomas; sisters, Rosie Lee Arnold and Odessa Albert. Services will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 604 Salter Ave. with Pastor K. Edward Copeland , officiating. Visitation at 8 a.m. until the time of service. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com .