Name: Celebration of Life for Dr. Charles Preston "Charlie" Thomas Jr.
Start: 2021-02-24T19:00:00.000Z
Location: HOPE Church to livestream the service at hopecentral.com/live

THOMAS, Dr. Charles "Charlie" Preston Jr., 59, passed away suddenly on Monday, February 8, 2021. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert Smith and June Gulliford Crabtree, Rachael Draper and Oscar H. Thomas; father, Charles Preston Thomas; and brother, Shawn Draper Thomas. He is survived by his two daughters, Aynsley Thomas Cosby (Stuart) and Kathron "Taylor" Thomas; mother, Sandra Crabtree Thomas; sister, Angie Thomas Gilson (R.J.); nephews, Carter Gilson and Hunter Thomas; nieces, Kenzie Gilson, Christi Thomas Gilbert (John), Breanna Thomas Kittrell (Todd); many loving cousins, family and friends. Born in Norfolk, Va., on May 16, 1961, Charlie grew up in Richmond. He was a graduate of Freeman High School, James Madison University, MCV School of Dentistry and Columbia College of Dental Medicine Division of Orthodontics. His mission, and one of his greatest joys, was serving the Richmond community as an orthodontist, "changing the world one smile at a time," for 30 years. It mattered not whether you called him Charlie, Dr. Thomas, Dad, Uncle Charlie or Good Time Chuck, we say farewell to a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He will be remembered for his strength, wisdom, intellect, compassion, generosity and faith. While we mourn his loss, we celebrate his life and the positive impact he made in bettering the lives of all who knew him. For Charlie, all were kin to God and the rule of life was love. Throughout his life, he was involved with JMU Alumni Association, Kappa Sigma, American Association of Orthodontics, American Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association, Richmond Dental Society and Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Charlie enjoyed traveling, scuba diving, skiing and gardening. Charlie was a faithful Christian and an active member of HOPE Church, where he found great joy participating in small groups. Well done, good and faithful servant. Due to COVID-19, a private celebration of Charlie's life will be held at HOPE Church on Wednesday, February 24, at 2 p.m. The family invites loved ones to livestream the service at hopecentral.com/live. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassion International.

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Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Feb. 18, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Thomas

15 Entries

Cyndy

March 23, 2021

Very sorry to hear of your loss. Charlie was my client for his investment properties. He and I talked each month for many years. Please feel free to reach out to me if you need assistance. Again you have my deepest sympathy.

Dr and Mrs A B Hammond III

Planted Trees

Shagufta Sajid

March 4, 2021

My kids and I knew Dr. Thomas for more then ten years. Three of my children were his patients. He always greeted us with a smile. I always enjoyed talking to him and he actually enjoyed have food from my restaurants. We will truly miss him. My condolences to his daughters and family.

Deborah lovette

February 26, 2021

We knew Charlie to be a wonderful orthodontist with a great chair side manner. I know you girls will miss him terribly and we are so sorry for your loss.

john morgan

February 25, 2021

Charlie I didn´t know you well but I knew you well enough. You made all my kids smile brighter as well as mine and didn´t have any dental work done. I had hoped to get to know you better as we studied God´s word together. Cut way too short. Meet you in heaven soon.

Jeff Lindquist

February 24, 2021

So sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. I have fond memories of him from our high school days at DSF. So sorry for his families loss. I am happy to hear that he knows Jesus fully now. God bless Charlie for everyone he touched.

Debbie Berry

February 24, 2021

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Thomas while supervising Orthodontics for Benevis in Virginia. We discovered during his interview that we both attended Hope Church. He was a blessing to all of us that were privileged to work with him. His kindness and love for his patients were such a gift. I had coffee with him just before Christmas and he was sharing his excitement about his trip and new adventures. As always he shared about his girls. He was so proud of you both. God be with all of your family.

Athena

February 23, 2021

I only knew Dr. Thomas for a short time, but the impact he made on my life was tremendous. His thirst for life and kindness towards everyone was truly inspiring. I hope to someday be as influential as he was.

Kathryn Thompson

February 20, 2021

Sending you so much love, Taylor. This was beautifully written and such a great tribute to your father. He´s so proud. <3

pam cavedo

February 20, 2021

aynsley and taylor, so sorry for your loss.

David and Dana Morris

February 19, 2021

Dear Ansley, Taylor and other loved ones,
We have been so sad to hear of Charlie´s passing. We have such good memories of all of the times we spent together. Charlie livedlife to the fullest and did it his way even to the end.
We smile every time we hear the Phantom of the opera. We used to hear it playing from upstairs of our duplex that we all lived in while he and David were in orthodontic school at Columbia. Kim will remember how we ordered Chinese from a place called Fairlawn Maple every Friday night. Charlie and Dana would fall asleep before 9 o´clock. They were such party animals. We remember fondly all the orthodontic conventions that we attended together. It seems like life has gone by so quickly since then.
We take comfort in knowing that Charlie is in heaven with our Heavenly Father and that we will see him again someday.
We so wish we could be with you all on Wednesday. Please know that we have been praying for you all every day. We will continue to pray for God`s strength and peace as you get through this difficult time. We love you all.

Bryan Taylor

February 19, 2021

Charlie and I became close friends in Orthodontic School. He was as close to a brother as I have had. New York would not have been the same without him by my side. From Kayaking school in the basement of Columbia University to a great trip to the Amazon together, his infectious smile and fantastic attitude about all things made time together a real joy. He will be missed by me and many others.

Buddy Harris

February 19, 2021

So sorry to hear of Charlies passing , always enjoyed talking with him when he came to the shop for car repairs ! May God rest his soul !

Kim Onder

February 18, 2021

Dr. Thomas put braces on both of our children's teeth many years ago and did an outstanding job. He was always so cheerful and was very nice. He is a memorable guy and we feel lucky to have known him.

Dee Dee Hearl

February 18, 2021

A beautiful tribute to Charlie. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time.

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