Thomas Madison Moman, III's Obituary
Thomas Madison Moman, Ill, was born on February 21, 1945, in Magnolia, Mississippi, to the late Thomas M. Moman, Jr. and Helen Caston Moman. He and his older sister Maria, completed their family unit as he began his life rooted in faith, worshiping with his family at First Baptist Church in Magnolia.
Following behind his sister, Thomas's informal educational journey began with Maria as his teacher. She taught him his 123's and his ABCs as soon as she learned them, and they ate mud pies for lunch. His formal educational journey began at Marquette Elementary School in Madison, Wisconsin, where his academic brilliance was evident early on. His exceptional intellect led to his promotion from kindergarten to second grade within a single year. After the family relocated to Jackson, Mississippi, he continued his studies at Mary C. Jones Elementary, Sallie Reynolds Elementary, and the Jackson State University Practice School. He completed his junior and senior high school years at Holy Ghost High School and Brinkley High School. Thomas obtained the rank of Eagle Scout and represented the state of Mississippi in the National Jamboree at Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1960.
Thomas pursued higher education at both Alcorn State University and Tougaloo College. He later served his country with distinction in the United States Air Force during and after the Vietnam War, earning an honorable discharge for his dedicated service. Thomas earned the highest ranking as a 33rd Degree Mason.
A man of many talents, Thomas was an excellent tennis and baseball player. Few knew that he was also a skilled musician, playing both the saxophone and trumpet with proficiency. He was baptized at New Hope Baptist Church during his junior high years by Rev. G. C. Hunte and remained an active participant in the church choirs for many years.
Professionally, Thomas dedicated over two decades to his work as a journeyman in Tool and Die, employed by Western Electric and Packard Electric. His craftsmanship and work ethic were sources of pride and respect among his peers. His intellect continued to be showcased as he 'aced' most of their training assessments with grades ranging from 96 to 100.
From a previous marriage, Thomas was blessed with two loving daughters, Ruthie Inez Moman and Maya Maria Moman. On May 2, 1987, Thomas married Shirley A. Smith and his family now included two stepsons, Shawn A. Bradford and James Guy, Jr. Thomas enjoyed life's simple pleasures-he loved board games, cards, billiards, crossword puzzles, and word games, which he completed daily. He also enjoyed bowling and was a huge fan of rollercoasters, the scarier, the better. Thomas had a unique talent and skill of making jewelry utilizing everything including beads, pennies, and even turkey neck bones. Holidays were especially joyful times, as he was known for his skill at the grill and his love of family gatherings where his seafood salad was a special request.
On Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., Thomas transitioned and is now survived by his wife, Shirley S. Moman, two daughters, Ruthie M. Sayles and Maya M. (Darrian, Sr.) Brown, two stepsons, Shawn A. (Vivian) Bradford, Sr. and James Guy, Jr, his sister, Dr. Maria M. Moman, nine grandchildren: Rashad (Jessica) Sayles, Ryan Sayles, Darrian A. Brown, Jr., Dylan A. Brown, Maci Mae Brown, Jasmine Bradford, Khaylynn Bradford, Shawn A. Bradford, Jr., and James Guy, IlI and five great-grandchildren: Michael, Jayla, and Aria McKibben and Jaxon and Raina Sayles, his niece Kemba Peterson, nephews Jumaane Peterson and Enobahkare Peterson, his many other relatives, and friends. His presence, wisdom, and encouragement will be deeply missed by all. We loved him, but God loved him more. May eternal light shine upon him and may he rest safely in the arms of Jesus. We thank God for the gift of his life.
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