Erven T. Thames

Erven T. Thames (aka, TJ and Mr. T), 82, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania passed away on Friday, March 17, 2023 in Harrisburg. He was born on June 28, 1940, in Little Rock, Mississippi to the late John W. Thames and Lee Velma Lewis Thames.

In addition to his parents, Erven was preceded in death by his sisters, Cynthia Thames, Essie Smith, Laura Stevens, and grandson Tyler Thames.

Erven graduated from Hickory High School in Hickory, Mississippi. He stayed in Little Rock, Mississippi a short while before joining the Army in 1963. In 1965 he was honorably discharged and moved to Harrisburg, PA.

Erven worked various jobs before becoming employed by the Commonwealth of PA, State Hospital and New Cumberland Army Depot, simultaneously, retiring from both after 30+ years of service. Within this timeframe, he married his (now ex) wife, Elsie L. Thames (Allen), and they were blessed with three children.

Erven was a devoted member of the People's Community Baptist Church. He served wherever he was needed, as an all-around handyman, a Trustee, and a person who could consistently be counted on.

Erven had a warm and inviting personality that positively affected all that knew him. He always had advice/words of wisdom for all who'd listen. Erven was an incredibly wise, intelligent, patient, and humble man. His resilience and dedication to hard work was impeccable. He was never about giving excuses and always showed up for people.

Erven enjoyed "playing his horses" at the track, spending time with his cats (The Trio and Mama Dee) and working in his garage, fixing every and anything he may have found or was asked to fix. Erven appreciated helping anyone that needed his assistance and spending time with family and friends.

Erven loved tending to his yard, his garden and especially his fig trees. He loved being able to share the bounty of fresh picked figs with family and friends. Erven also loved collecting his black walnuts (from his special location) and placing them in his "re-fashioned" shopping cart to power wash and prep for them for next year. When the walnuts were ready, Erven would share them with his loved ones.

Erven is survived by his children, David (Shauna), Erven L. (Lesly) and Trina Thames, ex-spouse, Elsie L. Thames, brothers, John W. (Charlene) and Kermit (Reverend Ruby) Thames, sisters, Katie Hickman, Geraldine Steele, Pearl (Howard) Bryant, Lessie White, Mary Hearn and Martha Thames, grandchildren, Andrew (Abigail) Thames, Cachet (Camlin) Stanlake and Brooklynn Thames, great-grandchildren, Royal Thames, August Thames, Kaleb Thames, Tyler Peter Thames, Kyla Mcabe, Leiana Hayes, friend, Thelma Hodge, godbrother/ brother-in law, Billy Watts and a host of many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Masks are necessary and required.