Mr. Thomas was born on August 21, 1934 in Pennsylvania and was a son of the late George and Alice (Reed) Thomas. Robert worked for IBM as a Software Engineer. He was part of the Apollo Space Program, and was responsible for monitoring the liftoff up until two minutes prior to launch. Robert was an active member of Ridgeview Baptist Church, where he volunteered almost daily for maintenance duty, played piano, taught Sunday School, and enjoyed visiting other church members and sharing the gospel. Mr. Thomas enjoyed going up on the mountain and hiking, and attending almost every sporting event at Ridgeview Christian School. He also enjoyed traveling. Robert was a veteran of the United States Air Force.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lola (Vails) Thomas.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Thomas is survived by his children, Daniel Thomas, Robert Thomas, both of Fishersville, Sandra Sercombe and husband Trevor of Kingsbury, England; a sister, Nancy Jacques and husband John of Florida; five grandchildren, Jason Thomas and wife Lauren, Kristi Toliver and husband John, Lisa Curtis and husband Nathan, Joseph Sercombe, Michael Sercombe; great-grandchildren, Nathan Thomas, Katelyn Thomas, Kristin Thomas, Bryan Toliver, Stephen Curtis, Emily Curtis, Alexander Curtis.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Smith.
A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 4 PM at Ridgeview Baptist Church with Pastor Don McClure officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
The graveside service will be held privately at Augusta Memorial Park.
The family would like to extend a sincere THANK YOU to the staff of Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah, for all their care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ridgeview Christian School, P.O. Box 477, Stuarts Draft, VA 24477.
Those wishing may share a memory or an online condolences by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements entrusted to the Stuarts Draft Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.
Revelation 3:21 - To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.
