Richard Lawrence Thomas

*Please see updated visitation information due to the inclement weather*

Rev. Richard Lawrence Thomas, 78 years old, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 8 at 3:20 am. Rev. Thomas was the third son of Elwood (Chuck) Thomas and Lois Mikles Thomas, who preceded him in death. He was a graduate of East Bend High School, where he played basketball. After he graduated, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While on board the USS Essex, he traveled over the Mediterranean and played basketball for the U.S. Navy Team. He was the “red headed star” from North Carolina. He was honorably discharged on April 16, 1970. He continued his education at Appalachian State University as well as at Wake Forest University. After graduation, he received a call from the Lord to become a Southern Baptist Minister. He pastored Charity Baptist Church in Boonville, Hillcrest Baptist Church in Kernersville, Arlington Baptist Church in Jonesville, and also at Willow Oak in Walnut Cove. He faithfully served the Lord for 25 years. Rev. Richard Thomas was married to Mary Ruth Hardy Thomas for 45 years. They had three children: Tracie Cline, David (Shannon) Thomas, and Amy (David) Walters. His Grandchildren: Tyler (Kayla) Cline, Bethanie (Jacob) May, Dave Thomas, Madalyn Thomas, and “Scooter” Nathaniel (Morgann) Trivette. There are three great children: Rayven, Adalynn and Bentley Cline. He was preceded in death by his two brothers: Bobby Thomas and Lonnie Thomas; and his first wife, Kathy Davis Thomas. Other survivors are his brother and sisters-in-law: Linda Thomas, Ann Hardy, Linda Hardy, and Jim and Judy Hardy. Also he has many nieces and nephews as well as friends from previous churches he has pastored. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Richmond Hill Baptist Church with Pastor Dan Merritt and Pastor Luke Money officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday prior to the service at the church. Flowers will be accepted or donations can be made to Richmond Hill Prayers and Squares or to Mountain Valley Hospice. Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville is serving the Thomas family.