Wallace Thomas

1959 - 2017

Wallace Douglas Thomas

Crisfield-Wallace Douglas Thomas, 57, of Crisfield and formerly of Tangier, VA, passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at Salisbury Genesis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Born in Crisfield on July 25, 1959, he was a son of Barbara Pruitt Thomas of Crisfield and the late Rudy Adonnell Thomas, Sr. who preceded him in death on April 21, 1991.

Wallace attended Tangier High School and received his captain's training and licensure through Chesapeake Marine Training and Houston Marine Training Services. A 4th generation Captain, he worked with the Thomas family businesses, Tangier Mail and Freight (est. 1904), Tangier Island Cruises, and Chesapeake Bay Cruises. Most recently he worked for New York Waterways.

Wallace loved being on the water and enjoyed working anywhere. He was a gifted and very knowledgeable captain who was not afraid to navigate unfamiliar waterways. His work led him to large yacht and fast ferry deliveries as far away as Florida, Bahamas and St. Thomas. He was a people person who enjoyed talking to anyone he crossed paths with. His memberships included Crisfield Elks Lodge #1044 and Somerset County Charter Boat Association.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his children, Noelle Thomas Paul and husband Travis, Paige Thomas Flaherty and husband Brooks, all of Crisfield, Steven Scott Thomas and wife Brooke of Virginia Beach, and Bobby Smith and wife Kristen of Ewell; siblings, Dorolena Thomas Bowis and husband Linwood of Reedville, VA and Steven Pruitt Thomas and wife Denise of Crisfield; sister-in-law, Beth Parks Thomas of Tangier; grandchildren, Presley and Leighton Paul, Dawson Thomas, Bobby Smith, Jr., and Matthew Smith; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Rudy A. Thomas, Jr., who passed away on March 17, 2014.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 2 PM at the Crisfield Church of God where a visitation will be one hour prior. Mr. Duane Crockett and the Rev. John Thorne will officiate. Interment will follow in Sunnyridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Crisfield Fire Department, P.O. Box 591, Crisfield, MD 21817.

Arrangements are in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home. To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com.