Charles Bluford Thomas

Charles Bluford Thomas of Charlottesville, Virginia was born on July 30, 1950 and passed away Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the age of 75. He grew up in Albemarle County, and found joy in hunting, fishing, and sharing time with his 15 brothers and sisters.

Charles retired from the City of Charlottesville’s gas department.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Gaines and Mary Thomas, his brothers and sisters, Ervin Paul Thomas, Janice Thomas, Ginger Shelhorse, Brenda Fitzgerald, and Lawrence Thomas, his brother-in-laws, Mikey Davis and Eddie Mays.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife, who loved and cared for him, Rosa Thomas, his dearly loved son, Charles Monroe Thomas and his wife Lindsay, his precious grandchildren, Candace Valdez and her husband Andrew, Caleb Thomas, and his soon-to-be first great-grandchild Easton Lane Valdez.

He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Myrtle Brooks and her husband Gary, Glores Morris, Ruby Brooks and her husband Johnny, Jerry Thomas and his wife Violet, Dale Davis, Larry Thomas and his wife Doris, Gary Wade Thomas and his wife Brenda, Deborah Shifflett and her husband Roland, Calvin Thomas and his wife Nancy, Danny Thomas and Missy Shifflett, his sister-in-law Constance Mays, and brother-in-law Edgar Morris and his wife Tammy, along with, numerous cherished and devoted, nephews and nieces.

Charles loved people, he always saw the good in everyone. Driving or “riding”, as Charles called it, was one of his all time favorite things to do, he would sometimes “ride” all the way to West Virginia. He loved playing slots, and fishing with his son, granddaughter, brothers, and nephews. Charles never knew a stranger, he would talk to anyone and everyone. He had a friendly, loving way about him and a smile and laugh that was contagious. Charles, or as his grandchildren lovingly referred to him as, “Papa”, used to tell them that he was made out of steel. He demonstrated that until the very end.

The family would like to thank the kind and supportive Hospice nurses and chaplain for the care and compassion they showed them and Charles in his final days. They would also like to extend their utmost gratitude to their dedicated family and friends who were there assisting both them and Charles until his passing.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at Holly Memorial Gardens, 3251 Seminole Trail Charlottesville, Virginia 22911, on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 2:00pm.