Richard Leroy Thomas

GREENSBORO Richard Leroy Thomas, 79, went home to be with his heavenly father on Thursday, January 3, 2019, at Beacon Place. A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, January 11, 2019, at St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church. The family will receive friends following the Mass in the Simmons Center. Richard was the son of Carl Wilson Thomas and Frances Louise Thomas. He was born June 16, 1939, in Hagerstown, MD. He attended both South Potomac High School and South Hagerstown High School, where he played all three major sports: basketball, football and baseball. He then attended and graduated from Bridgewater College in 1961 with a history degree. During college, he played varsity baseball and varsity basketball. He was appointed to the Pi Epsilon Delta Literacy Society, and was assistant manager of the college newspaper, B.C. Bee. Richard taught democracy and civics at Francis Scott Key High School in Westminster, MD. He was also the assistant baseball coach. After a year of teaching, he decided to enter the US Army, where he served in the Counter Intelligence Core (CIC) for four years. After the military, Richard went to work for Texaco for five years. Then he continued his career with Xerox Corporation until his retirement. Richard married the love of his life, Bonivant (Bonnie) Ann Spigler, on June 20, 1964. In addition to his beautiful wife of 54 blessed years, he is survived by three children: Deirdre Thomas Dixon and husband Lee of Bentonville, AR, Brock Thomas and wife Tonya of Jamestown, North Carolina, Gregory Scott Thomas and wife Marty of Nashua, New Hampshire; sister: Catherine Schindler of Hagerstown, MD; and four precious grandchildren: McKenzie Alexandra, Hayden Thomas, Brandon Brock and London Dianne. Richard's pride and joy was his family. One of the many highlights of his life was spending time at their beach house, "Peace of Heaven," at Sunset Beach with many loved ones, especially his grandchildren. In July of 2014, special memories were made as the entire family celebrated on an Alaskan cruise for Richard and Bonnie's 50th anniversary. Richard also enjoyed travelling with his college friends to many countries over the past 20 years. Richard never met a stranger; he was quick to give a hug and kind word, and he took genuine interest in every person he talked to. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy to all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice/Beacon Place, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405. Forbis and Dick Guilford Chapel is serving the Thomas family. Online condolences may be offered at www.forbisanddick.com.