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BORN
1943
DIED
2020
Waverly Thomas Obituary
December 7, 1943 - November 26, 2020
Waverly Nelson Thomas Jr., 76, of Palmyra, peacefully transitioned at his home on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2020, after a year-long valiant fight with pancreatic cancer.
He was born on December 7, 1943, in Newport News, Virginia, a son of the late Reverend Waverly Nelson Thomas and Pearl Edna (Tynes) Thomas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Carolyn Thomas; three sisters, Marie Williams, Shirley Jackson, and Tara Thomas; and one brother, Marvin Morton.
He is survived by his wife, Dolores Thomas; two daughters, Valerie and Tammi Thomas; one son, Kevin Thomas and wife, Keisha Thomas; three granddaughters, Khalia, Kaia, and Kelise Thomas; one grandson, Kamaal Thomas, all of Palmyra; a stepmother, Annie Thomas of Palmyra; five brothers, John Thomas (Francis) of Midland, North Carolina, Darryl and DeMarco Thomas of Richmond, Robert Thomas of West Virginia, Ronald Thomas of Palmyra; four sisters, Phyllis Anderson (Russell) of Palmyra, Rose Leabough (William) of Goochland, Linda Carter of Palmyra, Regina Thomas of Fork Union; one uncle, Earl Thomas of Fork Union; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, and friends.
Walking the earth in love doesn't require perfection. It requires a willing heart and an obedient spirit. For 76 years, Waverly N. Thomas Jr. embodied that heart and spirit with conviction and an electrifying smile. All who ever came in contact with him know this to be true. He didn't just talk love; he walked it out every day of his life. He walked it as a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle, a cousin, a mentor and a friend. He walked it as a two-tour Vietnam Veteran. He walked it for 35 years as a GE FANUC employee and in his retirement as a self-employed electrician and part-time landfill employee. His love of music would announce his presence from his approaching vehicle or at his home. As an athlete himself, his love of sport made him an ever-present cheerleader at the sporting events of his children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and any other young athlete in need of encouragement. His love of family and friends made him a provider and faithful servant. When pancreatic cancer attacked, he asked one question. "How long do I have to live?" With courage, strength, and conviction he fought to live while preparing to die. ("For to be absent from the body is to be present with God"). Cancer couldn't keep him down. As a matter of fact, he walked faster and with more purpose. He pushed a "two to four months" life expectancy prognosis to a year working to accomplish everything he wanted to finish. Waverly N. Thomas Jr. finished the work and transitioned peacefully in his sleep on Thanksgiving Day.
A drive-thru homegoing service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at New Fork Baptist church in Palmyra, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, please consider an act of kindness, mentorship or service to someone in need in his honor. Walk in love.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Waverly Thomas
Linda Beverly
November 26, 2024
Delores and Family,
Thinking of all of you today. One thing I know for sure is Waverly is still smiling! He is home in Glory Land!
Linda Beverly
Frankie & Pat Shiflett
November 28, 2021
God´s blessing on Waverly´s family and friends hard to imagine its been a year, I know He is enjoying the wonderful streets of gold with Jesus! Blessing.
Michelle Billups
November 27, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Mr.&Mrs William A Billups (Tony & Shelly)
December 6, 2020
Our Deepest Condolences are with the family forever in our prayers, continuing praying for strength comfort and peace RIP Waverly.
Crystal Brown
December 3, 2020
I want to express my condolences to Waverly's family.
I had the privilege of working with Waverly for 27 years at GE and GE Fanuc. I really can't remember not seeing him smile. He was a kind person and a pleasure to work with always.
Rest in Peace Waverly. You will be missed by your family and friends.
Andrea Williams aka Cookie
December 3, 2020
He was a great coworker, always had a smile that would pick your day up when things was going wrong on the job. God be with you and the family.
Jackie Waller
December 3, 2020
Mrs. Dolores ,My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Frankie & Pat
December 3, 2020
We both worked and knew Waverly from GE he was always a gentle soul, with a big smile for everyone. New heard a harsh word from him. God´s blessings and comfort to all.
Linda Beverly
December 3, 2020
I want to express my deepest sympathies to the family of Waverly. I knew him from GE Fanuc. Waverly was always the special person you could count on to have a smile on his face and a true gentleman. May God bless you.
Lynn Rutherford-Snow
December 3, 2020
Dolores and family. So very sorry about the loss of your beloved husband and father Waverly. My prayer is that God will hold each of you in the palm of his hand. May your many, many precious memories comfort you in the days ahead. Love, Lynn Rutherford-Snow and Ashley Durham Smith
Tyrone DeNeal
December 3, 2020
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Waverly. I worked with Waverly 17 of his 35 years at GEFanuc. He always had a smile. Rest in Heaven
Ray Mosby
December 2, 2020
Delores, Kevin and family. I am sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God continue to bless you as you go though this difficult time.
Carolyn Richardson
December 2, 2020
To the Thomas family with heartful sadness to hear about Weavly he will be miss by everyone who new him.That soft voice. I knew him when he work with Fluvanna County at the landfill always smile and kind words to say.Tammi my heart goes out to you and your family may God whole you and your family in his loving arms. From Carolyn, Mariah and Clara .
Sara Johnson
December 2, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Celestine Conteh
December 2, 2020
Delores,I am sorry to read about your loss. My thought & prayers are with you & your family. I know that God is there comforting you all in your hour of grief. Waverly was a very nice friendly person. When I hear his name, I see his smiling face. Now he is resting in peace.
Stacie Curry
December 2, 2020
Mr. Waverly will greatly be missed, May God comfort you all at your time of need! He was such a wonderful great friend of my father Lambert, they worked together over 30 years at GE. Even after my father death Mr. Waverly still continue to check on us from time to time. We sure going to miss him. Thank you for everything Mr. Waverly.
Dan and Christine Wilson
December 2, 2020
I worked with Waverly for 35 years. He was so kind and he had that beautiful smile. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. God bless the family .
Jay Warnick
December 2, 2020
Knew Waverly at GE. A good man!
Lisa Agee
December 2, 2020
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord
Carolyn Martin
December 2, 2020
Your words of Waverly are spot on. I met Waverly at the Anytime Gym and always had a smile and kind words and wisdom. I have missed him at the gym but know his heavenly Father was waiting for him to come home. Prayers for the family.
Evette Griggs ( Michelle Thomas)
December 1, 2020
A memory of Waverly Jr that will always remain in my heart is a testement of the type of man he truly was..... One of my daughters was in incarcerated at one point in time... Being a single mother it's very hard to provide... I was taking care of home and still trying to make sure she had what she needed also. One week I didn't have the extra to send her but low and behold I get a call though FB messenger from Waverly Jr asking about my daughter he told me I'm gonna send her some money so she can get things she needs. Now he doesn't really know my children but because we are family he had the heart to bless when I didn't have to give. I know it was God that used him to do that. I know I'm not the only person that has expienced the type of man he was. Rest on my cousin and be at peace... You won!!!
Love Michelle and the Girls.
BROTHER JOHN THOMAS
December 1, 2020
i remember playing together in the dirt back yard because we could not goon poplar ave to play until we were told,and come in to the house before the street light come on.there was only one street light on poplar ave.but we will meet again in GOD yard to play again.RIP BRO
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