Charles Thomas Obituary

On October 11, 2025, an angel whispered, "Be at rest; come home to God," and Charles Sidney Thomas, Jr. relaxed his diligent watch of his beloved family and journeyed home.

Charles, affectionally known as Chuck, was born on September 19, 1947, in Newport News, VA, and was the only child to Charles Sidney Thomas, Sr. and Martha Elizabeth Thomas.

Chuck graduated from Huntington High School in Newport News, Virginia, as a proud member of the Class of 1965, "the greatest class alive!" He attended Hampton University, majoring in chemistry and playing the clarinet in the university band, until he was drafted during the Vietnam War.

As an Army serviceman during the Vietnam War, Chuck served with honor as a teletype interceptor monitoring Russian transmissions in Turkey. His service also included duty at Fort Hood. He was proud of his military service to his country and cherished the friendships that lasted long after his duty was done. He and fellow servicemen, Bob Christiansen became steadfast friends lasting until Chuck's passing. Chuck was honorably discharged on September 16, 1971.

After serving his country, Chuck earned an Associate Degree in Drafting from Thomas Nelson Community College in Newport News, VA. His career in drafting began at the Langley NASA Air Force Base in Hampton, VA, and, then later spanned several decades at the Newport News Shipyard and Dry Dock Company, where he retired as a Senior Draftsman.

Retirement was a deeply fulfilling time for Chuck, allowing him to relax at home and be fully present with his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Chuck was a devoted Steelers' fan, and set up an elaborate display of paraphernalia before each game. If you wondered what to get Chuck for a gift, you couldn't fail with the black and gold.

Another sure gift for Chuck was music. While Chuck intellectually appreciated all forms of musical genres, like his father before him, Chuck's heart belonged to jazz.

Chuck was an amateur photographer and for many years entered and sold his art in area festivals and shows. He loved bird watching, lighthouse hopping, and viewing documentaries on WWII planes and the Tuskegee airmen. He loved history, in particular military history. With his son, he shared an excitement for all things Star Wars. With his daughter, he enjoyed their time watching and playing Jeopardy, which he faithfully watched every weekday night.

Chuck met his bride in the fourth grade. Of course, they were just friends back then. Their strong bond was initially part of a trio, which included his lifelong friend, Peter, who would later become known to Chuck's children as "Uncle Pete."

Chuck and Vivian began dating after Chuck came home from the military and were married July 8, 1972. This July 2025, Chuck and Vivian celebrated 53 years of marriage, eating cake and ice cream and listening to Michael Jackson's "I'll Be There."

As grandparents and great-grandparents, their home was often filled with noise, busy little people, and a lot of joy.

Vivian describes her husband as always being thoughtful. She says from the moment she met him until he closed his eyes, he was always considerate and kind. She smiles when she says he was a romantic and that throughout their marriage, he would surprise her with little things such as homemade tapes of her favorite songs. She says they enjoyed going to shows, watching sports on television and going on "adventure trips."

On Saturday, Chuck closed his eyes and went home to God. He is gone but not forgotten. He leaves a legacy of love and family. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Vivian Odett Thomas; two children, Michael K. Thomas (Lindsay) of Aurora, Colorado and Kelli M. Boone (LeShawn) of Newport News, Virginia; his 92 year old Uncle Eddie, Edwin Thomas of Henderson, Nevada; one sister/cousin Ginger, Virginia Jacobs of Lauderhill, Florida; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; five nephews; one niece; and a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by one brother-in-law.

Viewing will be held Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 11:00 am until 5:000 pm at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. A funeral service will be held 1:00 pm Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Gethsemane Baptist Church, 5405 Roanoke Avenue, Newport News, Va. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park.

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