- 11144 Warwick Boulevard • Newport News, VA 23601
- Follow Us
Obituaries
James Ronald “Ronnie” Thomas
March 12, 2022, we lost the heart and soul of our family, James Ronald “Ronnie” Thomas. Ronnie was 77 years old. He was born in Emporia, VA. He graduated from Warwick High School and was a stand out athlete, earning multiple accolades in wrestling and football. He went through Newport News Apprentice School and then followed in his father’s footsteps at Newport News Shipyard. He retired from the Newport News Shipyard as a Production Control Supervisor.
He served in Vietnam under the 101st Airborne, combat wounded, and was a 2 time purple heart recipient. In 1969, he married Judy Foster Thomas.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, James Fred Thomas and Neva Mae Thomas. He is survived by his wife Judy Foster Thomas, daughter Kimberly Thomas, son Brad Thomas (Sharon), and grandsons Kevin Rogers, Kyle Rogers, Wyatt Thomas, and Dylan Thomas. Ronnie worshipped his grandsons and they loved every minute they spent with him. He will be sorely missed by his neighbors, who referred to him as the mayor of the neighborhood.
Ronnie never knew a stranger. He had a large personality and he made sure to make you smile. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone. He was truly a hall of fame human being.
His favorite pastime was being in the country and was a lifelong member at the R&R Hunt Club. He will be sorely missed by all of his hunting buddies, including his dog Roscoe.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 17, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 18, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ronnie’s memory to United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
14 Comments
Ronnie lived in the moment and never hesitated to help family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Once a soldier always a soldier. Rest easy my friend.
We are so very sorry to hear of Mayor Ronnie’s passing! We enjoyed chatting with him any time he was out and about! Our prayers are with the family. He will be sorely missed for sure
I wish the world was full of people like Ronnie he could change the energy in a room. A magnetic personality full of goodness and life his caring heart touched everyone. He was a BLESSING to humanity. It hurts me to my heart that he is gone.
A great guy. He will be missed
Ronbo, you will be missed so much by all of us at R&R Hunt Club but we will keep you living through all of our lives and hearts.
He taught me how to skin a deer and how to be a man. Drive a dog and a truck. Life lessons all children needs to know. He truly was a man to look up to and an inspiration. A life of the party.
My condolences to his wonderful family that I hold near and dear to my heart. Rest In Peace Ronbo and know that we will try to keep things going like you would. ❤️ Love Rudy
I can truly say that I have never met a person who enjoyed life more than he did. He was one of my father’s closest friends. My family and I will forever miss his presents in our lives. Anyone who ever had a chance to meet him could only come away with a smile saying That Ronnie Thomas Is Something Else! Miss you RonBo.
Ronnie was our next door neighbor for over twenty years and was always there to help us with any problems we had. He will sorely be missed by us.
John and Betty Mayes
BRAD, KIM, AND MRS. THOMAS, MY CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YALL. I LOVED WHEN HE WAS OUT AT ME AND BRADS BASEBALL GAMES, HE ALWAYS INSPIRED US. HE WAS GREAT MAN, AND A GREAT HUMAN BEING. I WILL TRULY MISS MR. THOMAS (PRETTY).
JOHN HOLSTON JR.
Judy, Brad, Kim and family, I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband, farther, and grandfather, no words can express that sadness for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to you all. My heart hurts that Ronnie is gone, I just saw him! Ronnie always made me smile and laugh at things he would say, and do. He was always fun to be around and a great person, and friend. Ronnie will always be missed but will be in our hearts always. Rest in Peace my friend.
Ronnie was such a caring, fun loving man. He truly would give you his last of anything to make you happy. He will be missed by so many.
Ronnie became a friend of mine because he was a good friend to Eddie Barefoot. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I’m sure they are in heaven talking tractors.
Ron will be missed, He was the best of friends. Ron was always there to help with anything. May God bless him, his wife Judy and family.
James & Teodora(Doris) Hall
March 16, 2022
Ronnie was such a lovely person, so much fun and full of every joke you could think of. He would brighten everyone’s day when he drove by in his golf cart. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Ronnie was a one of a kind, once in a lifetime man- a larger-than-life personality who made an unforgettable impression on everyone he met. My heart is broken for the family, and for all of the friends who loved him. My father loved him like a brother. My deepest condolences to the family. Ronbo will be forever missed.