Heth Tyler Thomas

1948 - 2023

Heth Tyler Thomas of Lynchburg, Va., died on March 18, 2023, at the age of 75. He was born in Norfolk, Va., on January 4, 1948, to the late Sue Tyler Thomas and Vincent Graves Thomas. Heth grew up in Norfolk and spent all of his summers working on his family farm, Belle Hampton, in Dublin, Va.

Heth was predeceased by his brothers, Vincent J. Thomas and William A. Thomas of Norfolk, as well as his sister, Susan Thomas Duerson of Lynchburg. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Elizabeth Hobbs Thomas of Lynchburg, as well as his loving children, Frazier Hughes and his wife, Erika, of Roanoke, Courtney H. Clark and Elizabeth H. Taylor and her husband, WT Taylor, of Wilmington. N.C. He is also survived by his wonderful grandchildren, Nell, Gibson, Graham and Hayden Hughes of Roanoke, and Josie Clark of Wilmington, N.C.; his brothers-in-law, Gibson Hobbs and his wife, Diane, of Lynchburg, and Graham Hobbs and his wife, Donna, of Rustburg and his sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Carroll Thomas and Barbara H. Thomas of Norfolk. He had many nieces and nephews that he loved, especially Tripp and Brad Duerson and Gibson Hobbs, IV.

Surrounded by women after the death of his father, he escaped to Episcopal High School in Alexandria in the ninth grade and after his graduation, he attended his beloved Virginia Tech where he graduated with a degree in Finance. He was a rabid Hokie fan, but would cheer for the Hoos as long as they weren't playing Tech.

Heth enjoyed his association with two Rotary clubs and was a Paul Harris Fellow as well as his affiliation with Kiwanis in Roanoke. He was a man of strong faith and served on the Vestry at St Paul's Norfolk and both Christ Church and St John's Roanoke.

A natural athlete, he was an avid golfer. When vascular dementia kept him from driving and he was hitting the ball in the wrong direction, his dear friend H. Cary picked him up every Monday and Thursday to go play with him at Ivy Hill. A standout soccer player at Episcopal, he loved coaching girls soccer and being a referee for high school soccer.

Heth began his work career at Dominion Bank in Norfolk and ended it in the insurance industry with Northwestern Mutual Life after 21 years. A people person, he made others feel comfortable in their surroundings.

Heth wanted to thank the Friends of Bill W for making his life what it was. His family is also grateful to the staff of Heritage Green for their care.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at St John's Episcopal Church, 205 Elmwood Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24503, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St John's Lynchburg or St John's Roanoke, One Mountain Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24016.