Obituary of Creed Thomas

Creed Cox Thomas, United States Navy, retired, 82, of the 2400 block of Heutte Drive, Norfolk, Virginia went to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 1st, 2004. Born in Grant, Virginia, he was the son of the late Stephen Glenn and Kate Elizabeth Cox Thomas. He retired from the United States Navy in 1970 as the Director of Aviation Safety with 28 years of service. He entered the Navy in September of 1942, and after which he became the first Naval Aviator from Grayson County, Virginia and while in the Navy taught students from ten countries to fly. Captain Thomas attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg and received an Honorary Doctorate from Sioux Empire College. He was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church in Norfolk, was the Worshipful Master of Norfolk Masonic Lodge No. 1 in 1992, a member of the Norfolk Scottish Rite Bodies, Royal Arch Chapter, Khedive Shrine Temple, a member of the Norfolk Host Lions Club where he was known for collecting over 10, 000 pairs of eye glasses for recycling to ship to third world countries and was "Lion of the Year" in 2002. a member of the Norfolk Sports Club , Retired Officers Association, Combat Pilot Association, Association of Naval Aviation, was Past President and a Life Member of the Naval Reserve Association and had served on the Board of TOWN Foundation. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mrs. F.B. (Elizabeth) McConnell. Surviving are his beloved wife of 58 years, Margaret "Marge" Doyle Thomas of Norfolk. Two daughters, Linda T. Parron of Norfolk and Dr. Debra Thomas-Wilson and husband, Stanley Wilson, Jr. of Virginia Beach. One son, Stephen Creed Thomas and wife, Rusty of Richmond. Six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. One sister, Mrs. David (Virginia) Greear of Marion. One niece, Jeannie Greear, and one nephew, John D. Greear, both of Marion. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 6th at 11:00 a.m. at the Grant United Methodist Church with the Rev. Kenneth Blevins officiating. Interment will follow in the Grant Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by Marion V.F.W. Post #4667. The family will receive friends Friday morning from 10 til 11 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorials to the Grant United Methodist Church, c/o of the Church Treasurer, Marian Vaught, 96 Flatridge Road, Troutdale, Virginia 24357 or to the Grant Cemetery Fund, c/o Charles Hoffman, 1730 Flatridge Road, Troutdale, Virginia 24378.