Richard Lewis Thomas Sr.

THOMAS, Richard Lewis Sr., 81, of Montpelier, Va., passed away peacefully on August 27, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. at his family home. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Nancy J. Thomas, who was the bright and shining star of his life. Richard is survived by his six children, Cynthia (Melvin) Hall, Shirley (Rev. Fred) Copeland, Richard Jr. (Gwendonetta) Thomas, Gibson (Mariela) Thomas, Sandra (Donald Ray) Graham, and extremely devoted, Sherman (Yvette) Thomas; 11 grandchildren, (devoted) Brian, Japhet, Johnathan, Richard III, Shawn and Tacyana Thomas, Mark, Megan and Melvin Hall, Nancy (Lee) Graham-Jones, Danita (John) Stewart; and eight great-grandchildren. He also leaves to cherish his memory four sisters, Agnes Thomas, Barbara (Edward) Simpson, Iola (Fred) Evans, Linda (Clay) Jones; three brothers, Rev. James (Dorothy) Thomas, John (Agnes) Thomas and devoted, Rev. Sherman (Rev Mary) Thomas; mother-in-law, Nancy Johnson; sisters-in-law, Alma and Dora Thomas, Martha Giles and Marie Valentine; two aunts, Agnes Mitchell and Mamie Mallory; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard Morris and Floyd Estelle Thomas; and siblings, Bernard, Charles, Dorothy, George and Olivia. The family thanks Margaret Mallory for her precious care, Medi Hospice, and a host of other loving caregivers. His memory will live on in our hearts and we will miss his quiet spirit and loving heart. Remains rest at the Henry W. Dabney Funeral Home, 518 N. Washington Hwy., Ashland, Va. The family will receive friends Sunday, August 31, 2008 at the Bethany Baptist Church, 14683 Bethany Church Rd., Montpelier, Va., from 6 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday, September 1, 2008, 1 p.m., at the above church. Interment church cemetery.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.