Obituary | Lawrence D. Thomas | Bradshaw & Range Funeral Home PC (2024)

Lawrence D. Thomas affectionately known as “Shuga Bear” passed away on June 23, 2024, at
the age of 53. Born on June 25,1970, to the parents of Rubin Riggins and April Thomas.
Lawrence is preceded in death by his (grandpa) Willie Thomas, (mother) April Thomas, (uncle)
Stanley Thomas, (cousin) Michael Nixion, and (nephew) Michael Briggs.
Lawrence lived a life overflowing with blessings. After completing high school, Lawrence
followed his passion in pursuing a career in Music. His life was deeply rooted in his faith, family,
friends, and music. He spent his life bringing joy to others through his character, loving smile,
and the way his hands blessed the keys while playing the piano.In his tender years, he grew up
in the church and had a solid foundation in faith. That faith eventually led him to become a
member and head musician at New Brighter Day Baptist Church.
A man of practice, Lawrence started his days in prayer, exercise (one of his favorites was Tia
Chi), worked his daily To-Do List, devoted personal time to himself and others, and ended his
days in prayer. Lawrence was a lifelong learner that enjoyed personal growth. He loved to read
a variety of spiritual texts, music, biographies, motivational books and more. Not only was he an
accomplished pianist, but he commanded a respectable ability for other instruments such as the
drums, guitar, bass guitar, and more (All self-taught). He was a student and recently started
engaging in more growth and expansion with artist/producer Walter Thomas. He was a teacher
and took time to teach family, friends and patrons over the years. He was a composer that
shared so many wonderful original pieces, collaborations, and projects over his lifespan. But
most notably, Lawrence was a performer and a pillar in the musical community within which he
played in many local bands such as The Real Deal, Tailspin, and Synergy to name a few. He
graced us with his talents at many events and venues like the PB & Jelly Jam, Summerfest,
Harbor Market, Kenosha’s Farmers Market, local places in and around Southern Wisconsin. He
completed some small musical tours and even performed opening numbers for the world
famous “Morris Day and The Time”.
Some reflections:
“I love and will miss you dearly.”-Randall
“To my big brother Larry, thank you for being in my life as a friend and brother. I love you and
miss you. Love always your baby brother.”-Willie
“Larry was a great brother, he was always there when you needed him, especially me. He
always told me you got this in anything that I did. When he saw me playing the keyboard he
was excited for me and always told me to keep practicing. Because someone will come and
get you just like they did for him. I love you “Shuga Bear”. -Lucky
“Larry was an amazing big brother; he was so very generous and kind. I remember he called
and asked if I was home. I said yes, he said, come outside and when I did, he surprised me
with Thanksgiving dinner. I love you and will always cherish his memories, “R.I.P. Shuga
Bear” ....”-Tonya
“Browski, I miss you so very much, from all our conversations, inspiring one another, coffee
time, old man naps, studying together, support, man bonding time with Hezzi and most of
all your enduring love.”-Amatullah
“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain. -Bob Marly-”-Kayla
“Thank you for showing me it is okay to live your life, follow your passion and thanks for all
the musical bonding time.”-Shapree
“Uncle Larry was a great man; he has taught me so much over the years but most of the time
I was hard headed. I am in the process of changing and improving my life with the help
of some of the heart felt talks we had. I love you Unc...”-Treshawn
“Watch over me until we meet again, love always your “Hamburger”. -Kasyah
“From God we come from, to people we influence, to God we return.”-Hezzekiyah
“Art is about building a new foundation, Not just laying something on top of what’s already
there.”-Prince
Lawrence D. Thomas is survived by his (granny) Bette Thomas; (uncles) Larry Nixion & family,
Walter Thomas & family, Douglas Thomas & family; (brother’s) Randall Thomas & Willie
Thomas; (sisters) LuCianna “Lucky” Thomas, Tonya Thomas, Amatullah (Bettiemae) Shabazz &
Latanya Riggins; (nephews) Tre, Treshawn, Chase, Hezzekiyah, Porter, & Parker; (nieces)
Kayla, Alexis, Shapree, Kasyah, Lillian & Addison; (great nieces & nephews) Enzo, Willow,
Bella, Paris & Emberly; (significant other) Kimberly Evans; (non-blood brothers) Larry Waldron,
Michael Waldron & Roger Randle Jr.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalms 34:18
REST IN PEACE

A Celebration of His Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, July 8, 2024, at New Brighter Day Baptist Church 1225 25Th Ave. Kenosha, WI. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. Rev. Dr. Joseph L. Thomas Officiating.

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