William Hobson Thomas Sr.
November 22, 1948-April 16, 2020
William (“Bill”) Hobson Thomas, Sr., 71, of Richmond, VA went to be with the Lord on April 16, 2020 after a courageous battle with metastatic melanoma. Born November 22, 1948 in Louisville, KY to Jesse Basham and Mary Bush Thomas, Bill moved to Richmond, VA in 1958 with his family. He was a graduate of Douglas Southall Freeman High School, Class of 1966 and received his engineering degree from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1987. Bill was most proud of serving his country as part of the U.S. Navy, receiving an honorable discharge upon his retirement after 20 years. Bill will be most remembered as a car aficionado. He loved cars and could fix anything under the hood. He supported the Virginia Motor Sport Club and regularly won awards for racing his street-prepared Volkswagen Jetta. In more recent years, he enjoyed “Cars and Coffee”, spending time with his blended family, and going on drives for ice cream with his beloved wife.
Bill is survived by his wife, Suzanne Bracey Thomas; four children: Eleanor Caperton Thomas Lauver of NC, William Hobson Thomas, Jr., DC, of MO, John Thomas of VA, and Jessica Lee Thomas Pritchett of SC; three step children: R. Craig Carneal of TX, C. Bracey Carneal of VA, and Windsor A. Nase of VA; his sister, Dr. Janice Thomas of CA; and many grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Affinity Funeral Service Richmond Chapel.
I knew Bill as a neighbor, classmate, friend and fellow car nut. Since I still work at the local Volkswagen dealer, I had frequent contact with him over the years. Bill’s driving skills improved greatly after he totaled his VW Beetle many years ago. The memories keep coming back! He will be missed by many.
Never a day goes by that I don’t think of you! We had such a good life❤️ So many laughs with you learning how to cook! I don’t know if I want to be around people or just be alone! I love you and always will ! My soulmate❤️ Rest in peace– you are now one of Gods angels! I will see you again❤️❤️❤️❤️ I love you❤️❤️