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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE OF BF THAMES SR.
WHEREAS, BF Thames Sr. was born on December 15, 1934, to his loving parents Ben and Evie Thames in Little Rock, Mississippi. Raised in rural Mississippi, he was the eighth of eleven children; and
WHEREAS, in Mississippi, BF met the love of his life, Charlotte Wansley, with whom he shared a remarkable marriage of seventy-one years, and to this union four children were born: Alonzo, Larry, Gregory (deceased), and BF Jr.; and
WHEREAS, BF was known as a sharp dresser and an ambitious individual, remembered fondly for his competitive spirit in shooting pool and speed racing. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who deeply valued his family and community, always ready to lend a helping hand; and
WHEREAS, in July of 1953, BF Thames Sr. relocated his family to Chicago in pursuit of a better life. Shortly after, in August 1953, he joined the Royal Continental Box Company, where he worked with dedication for over forty years, eventually retiring as Plant Supervisor; and
WHEREAS, a man of great faith, BF accepted Christ at an early age and served as a faithful member of Friendship Baptist Church for forty-one years under the guidance of the late Reverend Shelvin Hall and Reverend Reginald Bachus. During his time with the church, he served as Vice President of the Men’s Brotherhood Ministry and sang in the Men’s Choir; and
WHEREAS, BF was also a dedicated member of the Masonic lodge, where he served as a traveling man for many years; and
WHEREAS, on October 27th, after a long and fulfilling life, God called BF home. He leaves behind his beloved wife, sons, daughter-in-law, bonus sons, along with his cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other loved ones and friends.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the President and members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, along with the 5.2 million residents of Cook County, extend our deepest condolences to the family of BF Thames Sr., and express our profound gratitude for his lifelong dedication to his faith, family, and community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of BF Thames Sr. as a symbol of our admiration and respect for his incredible life, and as a reminder that his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
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