C. David Thomas

Heaven gained another angel on Saturday. C. David Thomas, 79, of Bedford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Lynchburg General Hospital on December 6, 2025, after a brief, unexpected illness. He was born in Roanoke on September 3, 1946, to the late John Maynard Thomas, Sr. and Eileen Holcomb Thomas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Maynard Thomas, Jr.

David attended Montvale High School and graduated third in his class. He proudly served his country as a Navy Seabee and as a Viet Nam veteran. He led VFW Post 2157 as Commander from 1983-88. David was a central office technician with C&P Telephone/Bell Atlantic retiring after 30 years. He loved the Lord and his church. David could be found at Bedford Baptist Church daily serving on multiple committees and working beside his cohorts, David Henderson, Ed Agee, Larry Craig, and Commander James with his “Little Blue Toolbox” Escort parked out front. David volunteered in his community with the City Registrar’s Office preparing both City polling locations and for the Bedford Board of Zoning Appeals. He loved talking about politics and money, camping, woodworking, and mowing grass. But above all, David loved his family and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

David is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary Elizabeth Dewitt Thomas; children, Stacey Elizabeth Thomas Arrington (Kent) and Wendy Leigh Thomas Knott (Kenneth); grandchildren, Sidney Alyse Puckette (Brannon), Ethan Thomas Grey Arrington and Emma Elizabeth Arrington (Thomas); great-grandchildren, Atlas Thomas Dinwiddie and Zara Elizabeth Poole; sister, Barbara Saunders (Ronnie) and sister-in-law, Jane R. Thomas as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Bedford Baptist Church with the Rev. Michael Khol, Rev. Dr. David Henderson and Rev. Phil Bailey officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Bedford Baptist Church and the Bedford Fire Department. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family. To send on-line condolences, please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.