Clifton Thomas Jr. was born December 31, 1953 in San Antonio, Texas to the late Clifton Thomas Sr. and Doris Jean Rhodes Thomas. Clifton accepted Christ at an early age. Clifton received his education in the San Antonio Independent School District attending Highlands High School. He entered the workforce and was employed at Union Pacific Railroad. He later began working for VIA Metropolitan Transit where he was a dedicated employee for twenty-five years until his retirement.