Philip Waite Thomas

Thomas, Philip (Phil) Waite, 93, a resident of Westminster Palms in St Petersburg, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 17,2022 with his loving wife Louisa and his family by his side. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Frances Waite and Evan Russell Thomas, his beloved first wife Royna Claire Reece Thomas, his stepfather Maurice B. Thompson, his siblings Charles Brainerd Thompson, Mary “Katie” Thompson McNamara, Shirley Ann Thomas Graham and Richard Waite Thompson. He is survived by his wife, Louisa Marie Myers Thomas, his children Nancy Gray, Steven Thomas (Diana Novak), Judy Thomas (Al Nothern), Kenneth Thomas (Jean Biel) and Brian Best (Bonifacio Go), his eleven grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren.

Phil was always a gentleman. He was born on 10-31-1929 in Manhattan in New York City. He graduated from Rehoboth Beach High School, Delaware, in 1947, and Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, in 1951. He retired in 1986 after 35 years with Exxon Oil. In addition to the United States, he lived in Italy, Libya and Saudi Arabia. He has traveled the world extensively and loved cruising with family and friends. Phil was very active in round dancing, square dancing and studying family genealogy. He also dedicated many of his retirement years to leadership at Strawberry Square in Plant City, Florida, and Westminster Palms in St Petersburg, Florida. Some residents and staff at Westminster Palms referred to him as “Mr. Westminster Palms.”

Phil was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who taught all those around him the importance of enjoying time with family. For many years he would travel the US visiting his family and friends. These past few years the role changed and the loving family members have traveled to visit him. Phil will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

In lieu of floral arrangements, memorial contributions may be made to the “Team Member Scholarship Fund” at:

Westminster Communities Foundation

830 North Shore Drive NE

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Online donations can be made at: https://westminstercommunitiesfl.org/foundation/foundation-online-donation/