James Donald "Don" Thomas

James Donald (Don) Thomas, 71, of Collinsville, died on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at his residence. He was born November 1, 1940 in Galax, VA to Helen Davis Thomas of Stanleytown Health Care in Bassett and the late James Arthur Thomas. Don was a 1962 graduate of Emory & Henry College and received his Master’s Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1974. Prior to retirement, he was Director of Patrick and Henry County Social Services and served as chairman and member of the Henry County Social Services Board. Don was a member of Smith Memorial United Methodist Church. Don enjoyed spending time with his family and piddling with odd jobs around the house.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Judith B. Thomas of the residence; daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth Suzanne and Eddie Woolwine of Christiansburg; son and daughter-in-law Blake Flemming and Joyce Ann Thomas of Martinsville; four grandchildren, Kelsey Nicole Woolwine, Mitchell Ryan Woolwine, Natalie Brooke Gongloff and Casey Blake Thomas; one great-grandchild, Alley Jordan Gongloff.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at Henry Memorial Park with the Rev. Tildon Bridges officiating.

The family will receive friends Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Collins Funeral Home in Bassett.

Memorials may be made to the Fieldale-Collinsville Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 760, Collinsville, VA 24078 or the SPCA, 132 Joseph Martin Hwy, Martinsville, VA 24112.