With grieving hearts, we released Michael “Mike” Lynn Thomas to Heaven to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on September 1, 2024, due to a sudden cardiac failure. We all loved him so much, and as hard as it is to let him go, we know in our hearts that he was prepared to meet Father God. Mike was born on Friday, April 13, 1945, at Petersburg Hospital in Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Michael Thomas and Lois Virginia (Jolly) Thomas, his brother Larry Wayne Thomas, and his son, Darrick Grainger. Mike graduated from Hampton High School in 1963, receiving a “Meritorious Award” and “Letter of Merit” for his outstanding participation in Varsity Football for the 1962 season. He was a lifelong resident of Hampton, Virginia. Mike was a loyal Redskin Football fan his whole life. He loved his country and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1963, with an honorable discharge in 1964. Afterward, he was licensed to preach “The Gospel Ministry” through the Memorial Baptist Church in April 1977. His Ordination was December 1, 1978. He also attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating with a “Diploma in Theology” on December 14, 1979.

Mike always had a love and gift for computers; he was the guy to call with any computer questions or issues. His first computer job was with Wang Computer Co. After he left there, he went to work at Freedom Ford Co., where he received a Certification of Achievement; he also successfully completed the Ford E.S.P. Professional Sales Guild in 1997 and was recognized for his “Commitment to Excellence.” He then returned to his love of computers at Gateway Computer Co. in Hampton, where he received the “Navigators Award” in 2000 for being an Honorary Navigator for client care and leadership. He then ventured to Hampton Chevrolet Co. as a sales financial manager. Last, he retired at Don Comer Ford Co.

Along with working in the care and computer industries, he always continued to be active in ministry. He began his ministry through Memorial Baptist Church but later found his church family at Restoration Christian Center (R.C.C.). Mike loved teaching and reaching out to people with the gospel. His heart was to see everyone he encountered know the joy and love of Christ Jesus and receive salvation. Mike was very active through R.C.C. with an outreach ministry called “The Breakthrough Center.” He was also involved with another outreach called “Feed My Sheep,” where he received a “Humanitarian Award.”  In 2007, Mike received another “Humanitarian Award” from Restoration Christian Center for his outreach and love of the community. He continued to share the gospel and pray with others for the rest of his life. Mike is survived by the love of his life, Virginia Ann Thomas. They met in November 1989, and they were married on May 4, 1990. He also left behind his combined family of four daughters: Anisa Watkins (Kevin), Michelle Hinkle (Mark), Lynae Davis (T.J.), and Elizabeth Grainger; two sons: Jeramy Grainger (Mandy) and Darrick Grainger. He had eleven grandchildren: Kenny, Dottie, Dalton, Austin, Wade, Megan, Zachary, Samantha, Cole, Elizabeth, and Aiden, and six great-grandchildren: Baer, Ruby, Weston, Malakai, Malani, and Ever Lyanna. Mike was a good, honorable, and kind man who loved deeply. He was a wonderful and loyal Husband, Father, Pop Pop, and friend to all he met. He will be missed by many but certainly never forgotten.