Thomas R. Avila, 52 of Racine passed away Wednesday August 3, 2016 in Wheaton Franciscian All Saints Hospice. He was born in Racine April 3, 1964, the son of Thomas Avila and Maria Morales. A graduate of Horlick High School, Thomas loved to cook, garden, play cribbage and was quite the jokester, but always helped those in need. A die hard Cowboys fan, Thomas loved to dance, especially to his favorite Tejano music, he also loved to walk, take the neighborhood kids for ice cream and travel without ever getting lost. But when it came time to clean, you better watch out, if you didn’t have your stuff picked up, he would take care of that. Survivors include his 8 children, Thomas Avila, Aurora Avila both from Florida, Lisa Prado, Antonio (Tony) (Amanda) Avila of Arizona, Tabiano Avila, Esperidion (Speedy) (Christina) Avila of California, Saturano Avila and Gavino Avila. 19 grandchildren, 1 sister Mary Jane Avila and her life partner John Orta and 1 brother Steve Avila. Thomas will also be missed by his 3 little special helpers Serenity, Kobe and Kashay and a special friend Manuel Salas. He was predeceased by his father, 1 sister Elizabeth Aranda and many aunts, uncles and other relatives. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday August 9, 2016 at 4 pm in St. Patrick Catholic Church 1100 Erie St. Racine, Father Antony Thomas officiating. The family will receive guests in the church on Tuesday August 9, 2016 from 2 pm until the time of service. Burial will be private for the family.