Franklin "Poppy" Carneal Thomas (November 23, 1933-July 10, 2023)
Franklin "Poppy" Carneal Thomas, 89, has finally been called to be with our Lord. He passed peacefully at his home in
Bristol, Virginia, on the afternoon of July 10, 2023, with his beloved family by his side.
Frank was born in Nancy, Virginia on November 23, 1933, to the late George Washington Thomas and late Carrie Dona Thomas. Frank and his siblings are joined together in heaven- Brother Edgar Duane Thomas, Brother Danny Thomas, Sister Marlene Burzynski, Sister Janice Counts, Sister Roxine Childress, Sister Novella Childress. And surviving him, his sister Evelene Thomas of
Vancouver, Washington.
Frank enlisted into the military when he was 18. He worked in the coal mines for 31 years before he finally retired. He met, and not much longer married, Edna (Edwards) Thomas in 1958. Frank was quite the cantankerous man all of his life, but that wasn't enough to keep Edna away. They would have been married 65 years come July 12 of this year. They had two children in their early years- Sherry Sandra Thomas and Robert Steve Thomas. He became a dutiful grandfather to Aaron Pridemore Steele and Megan Renee Steele. (Sherry S. Thomas and Joseph Pridemore Steele).
Frank never stopped working. If he wasn't working, he was making messes just to fix them himself. He would come up with the most inventive ways to handle problems around the house, usually using hot glue and a bucket.
Frank was and always will be one of the hardest working men to grace the earth. He taught his whole family the importance of work and giving something your all. "Poppy" instilled a certain set or morals that will continue to be passed down for generations to come.
He has been a proud member of Shiloh Freewill Baptist Church and the best, and only, male quilter of the church's quilters group.
Frank strongly admired his daughter-in-laws, Nawana Thomas (Robert Steve Thomas) and Lisa Steele (Aaron P. Steele). Along with his son-in-laws, Joseph P. Steele (Sherry S. Thomas), and his successful grandson-in-law, Henry Gong (Megan S.)
"Poppy" left behind his biggest fans, his great-grandchildren, Rebecca Faith Steele and Michael Pridemore Steele. (Aaron and Lisa Steele) He was proud of every little thing that they did as they grew up. He knew he would be in good hands with them as he declined in health. "Poppy" will always be Rebecca's other half and Michael's role model.
Now his family can answer Frank's question honestly "Is it about me?" It will be about him from here on out.
The family will greet guests and share memories on Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Akard Funeral Home.
Frank will be laid to rest at Forest Hills Memory Gardens (19415 Lee Highway Abingdon, VA 24210) on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Dalton Elliott officiating. Military rites will be provided by the Army National Guard.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Caris Hospice.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to Shiloh Freewill Baptist Church (21503 Benhams Road Bristol, VA 24202).
Akard funeral home is proudly serving the Thomas family.