Raymond LeRoy "Lee" Thomas, 69, of Effingham passed away at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in Oakridge Cemetery in Effingham. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. The family has requested that memorials be made to Give Kids the World charity.

Lee was born July 18, 1942, in Effingham. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School, St. Anthony High School, Eastern Illinois University and graduated from IBM Technical School in St. Louis. Lee was a retired co-owner of the Thomas Shop in downtown Effingham and started System Pro Business Systems. He also had served as president of the Downtown Merchants Association. He was a licensed pilot and an avid automobile and motorcycle enthusiast. Lee was racing in motocross in its infancy.

Lee married Kathleen Braun on Sept. 14, 1963, and she survives. Also surviving are three children, Dr. Michael Thomas of Statesboro, Ga., Stacia Thomas of Effingham and Edward (wife, Carla) Thomas of Charleston; and four grandchildren, Tyler Falconburg, Elizabeth Falconburg, Joe Thomas and Rachel Thomas.

He was preceded in death by his much loved mother, Agnes Buenerkemper Thomas, and his beloved grandson, Griffin Michael Thomas.

The following was written by his 12-year-old grandson, Joe:

I just loved Grandad so much. He got his cancer when I was in the 4th grade. I was devastated. My name is Joe Thomas and I'm here now and Grandad's survived cancer for 4-5 years. I was so happy to have him that long. Let me tell you that one night my family was visiting. I was at his bedside and I told him this, "Grandad, I just want to tell you this, you were a grandfather." Devastation and sadness were pouring from my eyes. It was hard on me that he was dying already. The other thing I told him were four words, "I love you Grandad." I was bawling at that point. Gram found me and we had a little talk. Gram said "I sort of wish that he was up in Heaven where thing were perfect." I agreed. It was hard to see Grandad suffering. We knew that he'd be much happier in Heaven with Jesus. Gram, me, and the rest of the family will miss him, though. We know that during the funeral we'll have some sad faces and tears. Grandad was the greatest grandfather in the world. We will miss him.