Ryland Ray Thomas Sr.

On Saturday, March 8, 2025, Ryland R Thomas, Sr (AKA Dad and Granddad) joined his wife and other family and friends in Heaven. Ryland and Doris were married for 62 years. They had 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Ryland's mother and father, 1 brother and 2 of his 3 sisters preceded him in their Heavenly journeys. His precious wife, Doris, also preceded him a few years ago.

Ryland was deaf and spent much of his childhood and youth attending and living at Staunton School for the Deaf and Blind. Ryland loved that school and all that he learned there through sports, the classroom, special staff and faculty and life long friends. He could sit for hours and talk about his experiences and his love for SSDB.

Ryland met Doris at school and after both graduated they were later married. Being deaf during those times was difficult on multiple levels. Yet he and Doris not only survived it, they excelled in it. Ryland loved Doris. He was known to have said hundreds of times to their children, "Mom is #1."

Ryland loved life, loved people and had such charisma that he was often loved back in special ways. His smile, charm and good looks lit up the room when he came in.

Ryland died as a 90 year old man, spending his last couple years at the Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester, VA where again, he was much loved and well taken care of.

We are excited that Ryland and Doris are hearing the music of Heaven and are dancing with their new bodies before the Lord today!