C. Stephen Thomas

1939 - 2026

C. Stephen Thomas

May 2, 1939 - January 6, 2026

C. Stephen "Steve" Thomas, 86, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Eva Thomas of Lynchburg, Virginia. He is survived by the love of his life and best friend, his wife Elaine Thomas ("Bobbie"). He leaves behind five children and their spouses-Beth Spivey (Tim), Cindy Nicholson (Miller), John Hart (Laura), Hunter Thomas (Lynne) and Catherine Green-as well as twelve grandchildren who were the light of his life: Liza, Heather, Dalton, Austin, Laine, Rachel, Alec, Erica, Jake, Dillon, Hunter and Maddy. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Ryland. To all of them, he was simply and proudly known as "Poppie," a role he cherished above all others.

Steve loved his family more than anything else in the world. One of his greatest joys was the treasured family tradition of spending a week together in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, every other summer. He often said it was "the best week of my life," and he meant it every time. Those weeks-filled with laughter, long walks, shared meals and togetherness-meant everything to him.

A natural explorer, Steve loved to travel, especially alongside Bobbie. Together they built a lifetime of memories on trips to Aruba, Florida, Hilton Head Island, New York City, Italy, Australia, Germany, and on countless ocean and river cruises they treasured together. Wherever they went, Steve carried with him a rare combination of warmth, enthusiasm, and an abiding enjoyment of life. When not traveling, he could be found skiing or playing golf at his favorite place, Wintergreen.

Steve earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and later attended Stanford University's Executive Program. A proud and loyal Hokie, he remained deeply connected to Virginia Tech throughout his life. He attended home football games for many years, served on the Advisory Committee to the Dean of the College of Engineering as well as the College of Engineering's Committee of 100, and generously supported both the athletic program and the College of Engineering.

Steve spent 40 years working at Reynolds Metals Company, where he built a remarkable career marked by integrity, leadership and respect. He led three divisions-Extrusion, Can, and Mill Products-and retired as Senior Vice President of Global Technology and Operational Services. While he was proud of his professional accomplishments, he was even prouder of the people he mentored and the relationships he built along the way.

Service to others was a defining part of Steve's life. He gave freely of his time, talent and resources to organizations that reflected his values, including service in the National Guard, the YMCA of Greater Richmond's Metro Board of Directors, the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls' Board of Governors, The Virginia Home, the Vestry of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Crestview Elementary School's Lunch Buddy Program, Meals on Wheels and Special Olympics Virginia. He believed deeply in showing up, lending a hand and quietly making things better.

Above all else, Steve will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, steady presence, and deep love for his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father and stepfather, a loyal friend, and the very best Poppie. His life was one of purpose, gratitude, and love, and he leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 23rd, at 2 pm at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 6000 Grove Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226, followed by a reception at Richmond Country Club, 12950 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, VA 23238.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Steve's legacy of generosity, the family invites donations to Virginia Tech's College of Engineering Annual Fund or Athletics Hokie Scholarship Fund (online at http://www.give.vt.edu) or by check to the Virginia Tech Foundation, Office of Gift Accounting (0336), University Gateway Center, Virginia Tech, 902 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061. "Let's Go Hokies!" Noting that your gift is in memory of C. Stephen Thomas, or Blood Cancer United, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087-0001, in support of research for innovative treatments and a cure for blood cancers or to the charity of your choice.