LYNN — Thomas David Rayndles 86, passed away Nov. 2, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s. He was born May 20 1930, the youngest of three children born to Aaron (from Louisiana) and Mable (Logan) Rayndles in Kansas City, Missouri. He had two sisters, Dorothy Rayndles Lyons and Marguerite Rayndles McPike who preceded him in death.
After graduating from high school, Thomas attended music school to become a drummer and what a drummer he was. The famous drummer, Buddy Rich, was his classmate. He later volunteered for military service by joining the United States Coast Guard serving during the Korean War. His duty stations included Portland, Maine, and Boston. After an honorable discharge from the Coast Guard, and meeting his future wife Mary at a military base dance, Thomas settled in Lynn.
Thomas married the late Mary Breedy and through this union, three children were born: Thomas Rayndles Jr. (deceased), Deborah Rayndles Harris and Gail Rayndles.
Thomas stayed gainfully employed holding several positions throughout his life. Commencing with employment at Lynn DPW, he successfully passed the civil service exam first attempt and opted for employment with the United States Post Office in Lynn. Thomas became the first African American load dock supervisor for this post. After retiring from the Post Office, Thomas was employed at General Electric.
Thomas gave back when he could. During his tenure with the DPW, he had the opportunity to socialize and teach youth how to play the drums by turning the barrels upside down. Growing up, our home was always filled with music and band sessions, as home was turned into a homemade studio. This was common practice during this period. His first love, and where he spent most of his time, was that of a drummer. During his off time he played in various clubs in Lynn during the early 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. He also played ambidextrous on several local baseball leagues.
Thomas evolved from a musically inclined family. His Aunt played the harp; a cousin was a guest on Ed Sullivan Show; another cousin played in Cab Callaway’s Band. His uncle, who often visited our home, was the ministry of music for over 30 years at the historical Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Thomas loved jazz, the likes of Cab Callaway, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, etc. Despite his age and illness, Thomas enjoyed the last Breedy Family Reunion at the Salem Willows and over the years Salem Berkley Jazz Festivals.
He was a lifelong member of Lynn Post 6, a former member of Saint Stephen’s Memorial Episcopal Church and an avid sports fanatic.
His son preceded him in death. In addition to his daughters, he is survived by two grandsons, one granddaughter, four great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Service information: Funeral services will be performed by Minister Andre Bennett at GOODRICH Funeral Home, 128 Washington St., Lynn, MA 01902. Visiting hours, Monday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. prior to the funeral services.