Obituary of Charles Thomas

Charles Alan "Chappy" Thomas, age 53, of Marion died Sunday, March 28th, 2004 at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville. Born on February 4th, 1951 in Smyth County, Virginia, he was the son of Charles W. "Bill" and Opal Smith Thomas of Marion. He was a 1969 graduate of Marion Senior High School where he played football all four years and also played at Emory & Henry College for one year. He was employed with Sprint for 26 years and was a member of the Atkins Baptist Church. Surviving in addition to his parents are his wife of 28 years, Patricia "Patty" Haulsee Thomas of Marion. One son, Lieutenant Matthew Shawn Thomas of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Two brothers and sisters-in-law, Tommy William and Marie Thomas of Raleigh, North Carolina and Mark Steven and Deborah Thomas of Rural Retreat, Virginia. His maternal grandmother, Mrs. Ed (Oralee) Smith of Marion. His mother-in-law, Mrs. Garland (Maxine) Haulsee of Marion. One sister-in-law, Debra Haulsee Mays and husband, Allen of Bristol, Virginia. One brother-in-law, Ron Haulsee and wife, Hada, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. His good friend, cousin and special caretaker, Tony Smith. Many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins and Chappy's faithful dog, Elvis Presley. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 30th at 7:30 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with the Rev. Jack Burke and the Rev. Bryan Hall officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 5:30 til 7:15 p.m. prior to the service. Committal services will be held Wednesday morning at 11:00 a.m. at the Rose Lawn Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorials to the Digestive Health Center, Liver Research, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 800708, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908. The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. James Mann and staff of Abingdon, the staff of Johnston Memorial Hospital and the University of Virginia Palliative Care Unit.