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Local basketball legend Kennie L. Thomas passes

Basketball legend and Virgin Islander Kennie Thomas aka ‘Funny’ has died, aged 56. Photo: Facebook
LONG LOOK, Tortola, VI- Local basketball legend Mr Kennie L. Thomas aka ‘Funny’ has died. He was 56, having been born on July 9, 1965.

Mr Thomas, who passed away on Saturday, June 5, 2022, at Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital, was a civil servant and worked at HM Customs Department before retiring a few years ago.

The Virgin Islander is survived by a wife and two children.

Basketball & volleyball player

Mr Thomas was well known for his basketball talent, having played for many teams including Gunners and East Rockers. Mr Thomas also won many championships in his days and his basketball skills saw him being awarded a scholarship to Laurinburg Institute in North Carolina in 1985.

The late Mr Thomas also played volleyball and represented the territory on the National team.

He was also known for his friendship with the lead singer Trevor Nicholas Friday, ‘Daddy Friday’ (now deceased) of the United States Virgin Islands Jam Band.

According to reports reaching our newsroom, Mr Thomas took ill over 12 years ago and had to require dialysis, but was always in good spirits. He had also given his life to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, according to family members, and he always encouraged whoever he met to do the same.

The management and staff of Virgin Islands News Online express sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Kennie L. Thomas aka 'Funny'.

25 Responses to “Local basketball legend Kennie L. Thomas passes”

  • Fam (08/06/2022, 11:41) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    Rip ole boy
    • the rock (09/06/2022, 08:01) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      One of the few athletes to double in both national basketball and volleyball, rest easy King!
  • Guest (08/06/2022, 12:03) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    D&&n…….Another legend gone…….
  • Very sad news (08/06/2022, 12:45) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    Condolences to the family!
  • Tribute (08/06/2022, 12:53) Like (36) Dislike (0) Reply
    He embodied the Spirit of the Lord in his multi-faceted life. He represented Him well while here on earth and now Kennie is enjoying the great reward for those that are in Christ. May we all be able to say the same thing with confidence.
  • 5 Essex Court (08/06/2022, 13:20) Like (32) Dislike (1) Reply
    Oh Kenny! You fought long and hard all while loving and serving your maker. I thought of you from time to time, hadn't seen you in a while. You were a rare fins. Glad to have known you. Rest in glory champ!
  • my2cents (08/06/2022, 14:24) Like (42) Dislike (0) Reply
    A good man. Legendary person in the VI community not just ball player. Looked out for us youth and talked to us when others wouldn't make the time. Mentored coached guided as best he could in game and life. I never got to tell him how much that meant to me. Safe travels and peaceful rest until we meet again friend.
    • Ooh. Boi (08/06/2022, 18:29) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ my2cents

      GREAT. TRIBUTE. ???????????????????????? Nuff respect to you ????????
  • jokers (08/06/2022, 15:17) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    Condolences to the family
    Kenny did it the rite way
    Accept the lord
  • Fam (08/06/2022, 15:22) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Oh my so sad to hear rest in power
  • story (08/06/2022, 16:27) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    This man had a real life story to tell. The thing is he didnt keep it to himself. The world must know what life and living ment to him. Surely we will always remember him. May his soul rest in peace.
  • Baller (08/06/2022, 16:29) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    basket ball was never the same again yall
  • rip (08/06/2022, 17:06) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Rest in eternal peace funny
  • rip (08/06/2022, 18:20) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    Kennie was a client in my salon. If I remember well he was always passionate about wanting to find a wife. I am happy he did. I’m also happy he seemed to be god fearing. And yes a story was not complete without mentioning daddy Friday. He will be remembered.
  • Yes (08/06/2022, 19:06) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes I . Rest In Peace solider. May the father bring comfort to your family as the experience this loss. Out of sight is not out of mine.
  • for real (08/06/2022, 19:16) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    This brother wasn't faking, a true lover of God, people, sports and life in general. May his soul rest in peace....
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (08/06/2022, 19:57) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    We certainly have miss you Kenny. Rest in peace, my brother. Rest in the peace of God. Be with God. God with you.
    Condolences to your family members. May God comfort them by His Spirit of love, joy, and eternal peace.
  • guy hill (09/06/2022, 01:21) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Condolences to his entire family. Rest easy my friend. ????
  • Sis O' de Soil (09/06/2022, 03:46) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Funny... you will definitely be missed. Your personality and charisma was infectious. Journey mercies to your place of rest. My condolences to his entire family, friends and BVI community. We've lost a real one
  • Andrew Cox Sr (09/06/2022, 03:47) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    thanks for the contribution and the memories will live on
  • 911 (09/06/2022, 07:22) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Only the good die young
  • musa (09/06/2022, 07:41) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    My condolences to the families and friends may his soul enjoy the company of the supreme lord blessings
  • senior (09/06/2022, 08:40) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Condolences to the family. He was such a wonderful person.
  • RIP BRO (09/06/2022, 23:09) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    AND MY CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY , ALL RESPECT ????????


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