12/24/2025
Gerald Richard Thomas, son of the late Granville Richard Thomas and the late Rosa Gertrude Thomas was born on June 30, 1939, in Amherst, VA. He peacefully departed this life to go home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 19, 2025.
Gerald was born in Amherst, VA. Gerald was the eldest out of four children. Gerald was preceded in death by his sister, Edna Thomas. Gerald is survived by his sister, Earlene West and brother, James Thomas.
As a child, Gerald enjoyed all of the activities that boys his age found of interest. As he got older, Gerald engaged in farm work. At the age of 15, as the elder child, Gerald decided to quit school and help support his family financially. Gerald went to work for a construction company. On June 24, 1961, Gerald married the love of his life Dorothy Faustina (Tenny) Smith. They were blessed with two daughters, Cynthia Thomas Elliott and Della Thomas (whom Gerald lovingly nicknamed Catbird at birth). Gerald understood the value of education. In 1966, he returned to school to obtain his high school diploma. In 1968, Gerald graduated from Central High School in Amherst, VA. Gerald became employed by The Lynchburg Foundry. While employed by The Lynchburg Foundry, Gerald continued his education in welding and blueprints at Central Virginia Community College. By the early 70s, Gerald decided to pursue his goal of becoming an entrepreneur. He continued his studies at General Motors Training Center in North Carolina which resulted in the opening of Thomas Auto Service. Gerald later expanded his entrepreneurship by launching Thomas Enterprises Trucking Company.
Gerald accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and joined The Piney Hill Baptist Church, Amherst, VA. He later transferred his membership to nearby Piney Grove Baptist Church. Gerald was a member and also served as President of the Piney Grove Gospel Chorus. Gerald served as Treasurer of the Building Fund and President of the Men’s Club. Gerald also served on the Board of Trustees. Over the years, Gerald served as a member of the Southern Baptist Convention and the Department of Religious Education.
Gerald enjoyed deep sea fishing, attending raceway events, visiting historical sites, traveling, driving, and being a community activist. Gerald was known for his calm and mild-mannered demeanor, warm smile, sense of humor, and willingness to assist others. Gerald instilled in his children three lessons to live by: 1. “Get your education as it is the one thing that can never be taken away from you” 2. “Let your Conscience Be Your Guide.” Gerald taught his children that they should adhere to what their inner feelings dictate to assure a positive outcome when faced with daily challenges. 3. “If You Do It Right The First Time, You Will Not Have To Do It Again.”
Gerald was a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and served as Past President of the Amherst County NAACP Chapter. Gerald was a member of the Long Mountain Lodge 204. He most recently served as Past Worshipful Master and Sublime Prince 32nd degree. Gerald also served in United Supreme Council Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Southern Jurisdiction Prince Hall Affiliation, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia Free & Accepted Masons, Inc., and the Imperial Council Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Noble of the Mystic Shrine of North & South America & Jurisdictions, Inc.
Gerald leaves to cherish his memory his beloved spouse, Dorothy Thomas; his two daughters, Cynthia Thomas Elliott and Della Thomas; one sister, Earlene West; one brother, James Thomas; one grandson Eric (Rebecca) Elliott and one granddaughter, Ashley Elliott; one great-grandson, Zade Elliott and one great-granddaughter, Sidney Elliott; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and lifetime friends. Gerald was preceded in death by his nephew, Ira Brown; and his granddaughter, Sonia Elizabeth Elliott.
A homegoing celebration will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Piney Grove Baptist Church. Interment will be at Fort Hill Burial Park. Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.
