William Thomas

William H. Thomas CHESAPEAKE - William H. "Bill" Thomas, 74, of Haverford Drive, died Aug. 15, 2008, in Norfolk. A native of Independence, Mo., he was the son of the late William Henry and Violet May Thorpe Thomas. He retired from the U.S. Navy with 20 years of service, serving during the Korean and Vietnam wars. Mr. Thomas was a certified public accountant who served as an internal auditor for the City of Chesapeake, and then later Virginia Beach after which he established his own accounting service. Volunteerism was a big part of his life serving with the American Red Cross, Chesapeake General Hospital, EquiKids, T.R.A.V. and Childrens' Advocates Group. He repaired wheel chairs which he then donated for use to those in need and was a member of Unity Renaissance Church, Chesapeake. Surviving are his loving wife, Virginia Thomas; two daughters, Teresa Kay Wilson of California and Christine Thomas of Arizona; two stepsons, Joseph Rainey of Norfolk and John Rainey of Linden, Va.; a stepdaughter, Jeannette Rainey of Portsmouth; a sister, Alberta Hitch of Independence, Mo.; and five grandchildren, Heather, Samantha and Jennifer Thomas of Arizona, Alexandra Rainey of Norfolk and Jack Rainey of Idaho. A memorial service with military honors will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. in Unity Renaissance Church, 1120 Eden Way North, Chesapeake, with the Rev. Laura Barrett-Bennett officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Red Cross or National Alzheimer's Association. Flowers should be sent directly to Unity Renaissance Church. Graham Funeral Home, Chesapeake, is handling local arrangements.