Alexander Thomas, Sr.

ALEXANDER THOMAS, SR., affectionately known as "L", was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 8, 2017 at the age of 91. He is the fifth of eleven children born to Robert and Lily Thomas in Norfolk County, Virginia. "L" was a proud Army veteran of World War II. After he devoted service in the armed forces, "L" continued his career with the Social Security Administration in Baltimore, Maryland. "L" became homesick and decided to move back to Portsmouth, Virginia. He became employed with the Norfolk Naval Air Station, then after, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. He retired from the government after giving them thirty-two years of dedication. The best and the most beautiful thing in the world to Alexander Thomas, Sr. was his family. He took time to visit family members just to say "Hello". He also enjoyed being the transportation for many family and friends. "L" had an open-door policy. He gave shelter to those that were in need. On top of being a family person, "L" was a jack of all trades using his favorite tools (gray duct tape, nails, wires, and string). He was a mastermind at fixing anything and inventing new creations. Some of those new creations should have been patented. His other hobbies were collecting obituaries of family and friends, traveling, and watching and/or attending sporting events. Alexander Thomas, Sr. was a kind, caring, and loving person to all that came in contact with him. Alexander was truly an exceptional man! Our family will continue to carry out those qualities of giving and caring for others just as he did. The Mark of a gracious man has been left upon us. "L" was predeceased by his daughter, Izora Thomas; his parents, Robert and Lily Thomas; his three sisters, Margaret Binion, Elizabeth Loney, Julia Brooks; his four brothers, Robert Thomas, Sr., Theodore Thomas, Julius Thomas, and Clyde Thomas, Sr. He leaves to cherish his loving memory, his five sons, Alexander Thomas, Jr. (Carolyn), Grand Rapids, MI; Lawrence Thomas (Beverly), Portsmouth, VA; Nathaniel Thomas (Kyoko), Troy, MI; Vernon Thomas (Patricia), Jacksonville, FL; and Jerry Martin, Chesapeake, VA; his four daughters, Constance Patillo, Portsmouth, VA; Dorothy Littles, Norfolk, VA; Beverly McKinney (William), Suffolk, VA; and Min. Stephanie Williams (Boise), Chesapeake, VA; a step-daughter, Evangelist Dianna Harris, Portsmouth, VA; a god-daughter, Joan Davis, Portsmouth, VA; his three brothers, Sup. Leslie Thomas, Portsmouth, VA; Bishop Nathaniel Thomas, Sr. (Mary), Portsmouth, VA; and Walter Thomas, Portsmouth, VA; 23 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Alexander Thomas, Sr.

March 9, 1925 - January 8, 2017