Gene B. Thomas

Gene B. Thomas, 81, of Waynesboro, VA passed away on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at the Augusta Health Shenandoah Hospice House in Fishersville with his wife, Betty, at his side. Mr. Thomas was born July 7, 1941 in Charlottesville, VA to Ruby Mae (Graves) Thomas and Mack Bennett Thomas. In 1945, his mother married Harold J. Weeks who became his “Pop” and stepfather for over 60 years. Gene is survived by his wife, Betty of 49 years, 11 months, and 6 days. In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughter, Deborah Lynn Phillips (by a previous marriage) of Gilbert, AZ; two granddaughters, Brandi Oubre of Gilbert, AZ and Harley Phillips of TN; special cousins, George Graves and family of Scottsville, VA, Donna Sinclair and family of Jeffersonton, VA, and Paula Thomas Crowley and family of Horsehead, NY; special friends, Kathy Seratte of Fredericksburg, VA, Hal Christensen of Waynesboro, VA, and Pat and Woody Yowell of Greenville, VA, and a host of friends in the valley. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Harold Weeks; sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Jimmy Jimenez; mother and father-in-law, Robert and Marie Gipson; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Mr. Thomas worked precast stone for over 40 years in Maryland and Northern, VA. He joined the Army in 1961 and served his country honorably in Germany. He was a true patriot. He enjoyed sports (fan of the Cleveland Browns/Indians now known as the Guardians), bowling, going to yard sales, and traveling all over the U.S. with wife Betty. He never met a stranger and loved to talk. He will truly be missed by those who knew him best. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 30, 2022 at Alberene Cemetery, 3061 Alberene Church Lane, Esmont, VA with his brother-in-law, Rev. Olen “Sam” Horse officiating. Respecting Gene’s wishes, he will be cremated. All who plan to attend are asked to meet directly at the cemetery. Betty gratefully thanks each and everyone who supported them during this difficult journey. Special thanks to Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah for their loving care and compassion given to him in his last days. Thanks also to the Dr.’s and staff at Augusta Health and the University of Virginia Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice or the Augusta Health Foundation, C/O Hospice of the Shenandoah, P.O. Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939. Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes of Waynesboro.