Brodrick O'Neal "Rick Tha Rula" Thomas Sr.

Mr. Brodrick O’Neal Thomas, Sr., affectionately known as “Rick,” was born on September 11, 1989, in Longview, Texas, to Roydell Thomas and the late Keycier Moody. He began his spiritual journey at New Birth Fellowship Church and was later a proud member of El Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.

A 2008 Kilgore High School graduate, Rick went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Process Technology and his CDL from Kilgore College. He wore many hats—fiancé, brother, uncle, coach, mentor—but his proudest role was being a devoted father and loyal friend.

Rick worked hard in the oilfield and never backed down from a challenge. In 2015, he and his fiancée, Pliar, welcomed their son, Broderick Jr. “BJ”—his junior, his sidekick. Their bond was unbreakable. Rick also poured his love into his bonus daughter, Rileigh, treating her as his own and making sure she always felt it.

He loved being “Uncle Rick” to all the kids, but watching his nephews, La’Perrion and La’Keyleon, play football brought him a different kind of joy -he was their biggest, loudest fan. Rick wasn’t just a man—he was a whole vibe. If you knew him, you knew that mouth stayed slick—but his love ran deep. He could clown you one minute and be the first to show up when you needed him the next. He had a gift for humor, always quick with a grin and a joke, even in tough moments. His presence could shift the atmosphere and bring light into any room. He was solid, loyal, and protective of those he loved. Rick loved hard, laughed loud, and lived fully. He didn’t just show up—he showed out in the best way.

Rick passed on July 20, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength that will live on through his children, family, and everyone he touched.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Keycier Moody; grandmothers, Bobbie Jean Jackson and Emma Thomas; grandfather, J.B. Moody II; and great-grandparents, Geraldine and Kelly Jackson.

To cherish Rick’s memory are these ducks: his fiancée, Pliar; son, BJ; daughter, Rileigh; father, Roydell; bonus mom, Timeko; sisters: Shureka, Kelli, Brittany, Amber, Whitney, Jessica, Mia, Epiphany, Jaquetta; brothers: JaQuaylon, Dre, Jason, Justin, Malik, Michael, Patrick, Marc, Al, Kevin, Maceo, Bobby, Clifford; grandfather, James; Uncle Willie; great aunts, Carrie & Callie; and a host ofnieces, nephews, family, and friends.

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