In Memory of

Class of 1937
Oct 03, 1918 - Jan 27, 2015

Richard Buford Thomas, Sr., age 96 of Roanoke, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 following a brief illness. He was a longtime resident of Roanoke and had retired from the Norfolk Southern Railroad in 1980 after 42 years of service. He and his wife, Marian Virginia, are members of Community Church in Salem, VA. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Buford Holston Thomas and Buena Vista Ward Thomas; brothers, Robert L. Thomas and Billy S. Thomas; one sister, Mary Louise Thomas Sisson and great grandson, Brody Thomas. Richard is survived by his loving wife of almost 75 years, Marian Virginia Viar Thomas and their extended family of five children; Richard B. Thomas Jr. (Ann), Dianne Kessler (Tom), Judy L. Thomas, Jerry W. Thomas (Debbie) and Robert L. Thomas, as well as his twelve grandchildren, twenty three great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Richard was born in Lynchburg, VA on October 3, 1918 and grew up in Bedford County before moving to Vinton where he attended William Byrd High School. In his younger years, Richard enjoyed playing sports on some of the area's basketball and softball teams. A true Hokie fan, he eagerly awaited every Virginia Tech football season. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved his getaway cabin on Smith Mountain Lake. He proudly served as Scoutmaster for Troop 19 at Calvary Baptist Church for a number of years. Richard began his railroad career in 1937 as an apprentice in the cabinet shop of Norfolk and Western Railroad. He became a master carpenter and an accomplished woodworker who continued to enjoy making furniture for family and friends long into his retirement years. As a devoted family man, Richard took great pride in all of his children and grandchildren and will forever be known for his devotion and loving relationship with his wife, Marian Virginia, his beloved "Sug". They were an inspiration to all who knew them. The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff of Lady of the Valley for their tender care and the wonderful Palliative Care Unit of Roanoke Memorial Hospital. We are also most appreciative to the entire staff of Crossroads K & W Cafeteria for their many years of kind service to our parents. Funeral Services will be held at Oakey's Vinton Chapel at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 30, 2015 with Rev. Thomas McCracken and Rev. John Hamric officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Church, 901 Russell Drive, Salem, VA 24153. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 9:00PM on Thursday at Oakey's Funeral Home in Vinton. Online condolences may be made at www.oakeys.com.