Sad news. Francis Terry Thomas- RIP

[Rick Cooper]

Our good friend Francis sadly passed away today. Many on here knew of his illness but after some hope a few months ago it is tragic that the last few weeks took a sudden turn for the worse.

Born in Stockport, where he was better known as Terry,he was familiar to many in the local record shops and clubs, often with a box of records to sell or swap. A job opportunity in the early 70s lead to a move to Kidderminster. The record boxes got bigger and more numerous as he made a weekly trip to Blackpool Mecca, selling new releases and rarer items. The all-dayers at Manchester's Ritz also saw his stall very busy. Making the move to full time dealing he opened a shop in Kidderminster. Here he ran a very successful business selling promotional items such as badges, tee shirts ,key rings, pens as well as fancy dress and novelty items. His badges ranged from punk,new wave, indie ,soul, CND and anti-nuclear and many are now in museum collections. He DJ'd at many of the West Midlands clubs and promoted nights at The Glades in Kidderminster. Over the past years the shop sold more music and was a destination for many collectors.

He was a familiar face at most of the weekenders and on the US Soul Trips. Here he was always at the front of the stage to watch the live acts and made an effort to meet the artists to talk to them about their music and life. Many became friends on Facebook and Soulful Detroit Forums. 

Over the last few years he set up Real Side Records and helped compile many CDs . The tracks chosen showed his depth of knowledge and desire to get lesser known artists recognised. He loved the all-time great records but wanted to spread his appreciation of all types of  soul music.

He had many other enthusiasms , notably mid 20th century architecture and design. Collecting was not just records as his friends will know from his home. 

Many people will have their own memories of a true friend and gentleman, who will be greatly missed.

Rick

 

[Whiskyagogo]

RIP Mr Tee

A proper Soulie ✊🏻

[Algsoul]

rip

 

[Dayo]

Oh bollocks!  Bloody hell!  Lost for words.  Can't believe it.  Such a smashing guy. RIP Soul Man.

[Ian Stacey]

nice chap bought the odd record of him  good soulies will be missed

[Soul16]

This is awful news.

I first met Terry 37 years ago when I was just 17. I've shook that guys hand more times than I can possibly remember. Where does the time go? 

He was a lovely, thoughtful, unassuming man. 

RIP old pal

Andy

[Guest Carl Dixon]

This was sad news to read this morning, I honestly thought he had turned a corner.  My thoughts are with his family and friends. Very sad....

Edited May 31, 2017 by Carl Dixon

[Samplat]

Sad news indeed. Always remember him selling his records in the corridor at the Mecca. Always plenty people looking through them. 

[Mark R]

Very sad news, a real gent was Mr. Tee

R.I.P.

 

Mark R

[Greety]

Quote

 

A lovely guy and a real loss to the Soul scene. God Bless mate.

[Floyd]

A true Gentleman

R.I.P

Francis

God Bless

Floyd

[Martyn Pitt]

Sad to hear this 

R.I.P Mr Tee 

[Wilxy]

Very Sad News, R.I.P Sir........

[Guest Zum Gemalten]

I only met Francis a couple of times but he was always extremely affable. I once spent an afternoon looking around a MacKintosh house in Northampton with him and he was a fount of knowledge on Art Deco buildings, not to mention soul music.

Sad news indeed.

[Chris Turnbull]

Sad news - link below to interesting local news feature on him from Nov 16

https://wyrelife.co.uk/2016/11/20/kidderminster-mr-tee-northern-soul/

 

[Ritchieandrew]

Sorry to hear of his passing.  Over the years bought many a record off him in various Venues, most of which are now closed.  Mr Tee we will continue to remember you. !!