Robert Lee Thomas

Robert Lee Thomas, of Ashland, VA, formerly of Wilmington, DE, and Lewes, DE, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. He was born in Wilmington, DE on February 24, 1946. He was the loving husband of Phyllis C. Thomas for 49 years; devoted father of Russell Lee Thomas (Megan), and cherished grandfather of Katelynn and Sydney Thomas. Bob is predeceased by his parents Roger B. Thomas, M.D. (Hester) and brother Roger B. Thomas, Jr. M.D.

Bob graduated from Alexis I. DuPont High School, Wilmington, DE in 1964 and from Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA, in 1968 where he majored in Economics and English; brother of Phi Beta Kappa. A skiing accident during his senior year at Dickinson resulted in multiple fractures of both hands, making him ineligible to serve in Vietnam. He then pivoted his future plans toward the field of law. Bob graduated from Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC in 1971. Following graduation, he clerked for the preeminent and honorable Collins J. Seitz, Sr., Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Continuing his education, he obtained an LLM in taxation at Georgetown University Law Center in 1973.

Bob joined a boutique law firm of Murdoch & Walsh, P.A., specializing in taxation under the tutelage of Constance “Connie” Murdoch, Esq. in Wilmington, DE from 1973-1986. He then worked for real estate developer, Edward B. DeSeta, as his in-house counsel for three years. During that period, he was integral to planning and preparing for the implosion of Wilmington’s Memorial Hospital, the future development site of the Park Plaza condominiums. He returned to private practice as a partner at Young, Conaway, Stargatt and Taylor, LLP “(YCST)” in Wilmington, DE and Georgetown, DE from 1989-2012. Bob’s legal expertise included not only taxation and estate planning but also commercial real estate. He was invited by his peers and admitted as a Fellow in the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, one of the highest national honors for real estate practitioners. In 2012, Bob retired from YCST.

Bob served at Richardson Park United Methodist Church, Wilmington, DE in various capacities including head of the Board of Trustees. It was there that he spearheaded the Wesley Tower Project to make the church handicap accessible. Ultimately, an elevator was installed and the church facilities were updated.

He was involved in his son’s Boy Scout Troop #63, going on weekend retreats, helping boys earn badges, and leading the troop. Bob enjoyed Phillies baseball, and he served as an umpire with his son’s Little League team Westover Wildcats. He liked working with plants, often volunteering his time doing weeding and pruning at his church and the properties of friends and family. He also enjoyed painting interiors. His grandfather, Alfred “Lee” Smith, taught him handyman skills such as basic carpentry and plumbing. Bob had fond memories of Sussex County, DE where he spent summers at Broadkill Beach and visited his Smith family relatives on their farm in Milton.

Bob inspired and mentored many people to “do the right thing.” His strong moral compass was unwavering. God was the center of his life and family a close second. He will be remembered for his high ethical standards, integrity, diligence, sensitivity to the needs of others, and kindness. As a quiet man, he didn’t talk much, but often he would say something witty and laugh at his own humor. His annual holiday poetic letter was highly anticipated by his many friends each year.

A Memorial Service will be held at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 Henry St, Ashland, VA on Thursday, August 22 at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will follow in Fellowship Hall.

A second Memorial Service will be held at Richardson Park United Methodist Church, 11 North Maryland Ave, Wilmington, DE 19804-1305 on Saturday, September 14 at 11:00 AM. A luncheon reception will follow in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, for both memorial services, contributions may be made to Duncan Memorial UMC, P.O. Box 247, Ashland, VA 23005, Richardson Park UMC, 11 North Maryland Ave, Wilmington, DE 19804-1305, Central Virginia Masterworks Chorale, P.O. Box 415, Ashland, VA 23005, Habitat for Humanity, 322 W. Lamar Street, Americus, GA 31709-9906 or to the charity of your choice.

Habitat for Humanity URL for donations:

https://secure.habitat.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30066a?idb=246121017&df_id=4973&4973.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&NONCE_TOKEN=4BCC4BDC27F2FE92850650D1ABA99412&keyword=footer-menu-single-text