Gerald Raye Thomas
Gerald Raye Thomas, age 87, died peacefully on March 20, 2024, at Sanders Heron Cove II in Gloucester, VA. A lifelong resident of Gloucester County (Guinea), Gerald was a well-known seafood business owner and working waterman on his boat, the Amanda T. He coached Little League and Pony League baseball for many years, with the family spending most spring and summer nights at Gloucester Youth Baseball fields. He was a passionate fan of the Atlanta Braves, and in his later years, was never happier than when a good baseball game was on to watch. Gerald is preceded in death by his parents Raymond Quillen & Bessie Cottee Thomas; wife, Barbara Lee Boswell Thomas; son, Mark Stuart Thomas; brother William (Billy) Thomas and sister, Lorraine Shackelford Johnson. He is survived by his sons, Christopher A. Thomas (Debbie); and J. Brook Thomas (Tara); granddaughters Amanda T. Burnette (Jordan); Amanda’s mother and stepfather Lisa and Lewis Brown and granddaughter Haley C. Thomas. He is also survived by two stepgrandsons, Ryan W. Otey (Amanda) and Austin L. Otey (Christina), and five “bonus” great-grandchildren as well as much-loved family friends Kimberly Olsen (Larry) of Danville, VT, and Andy Killmon (Irene) of Wachapreague, VA. The family will receive friends at Hogg Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the graveside on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Rosewell Memorial Garden Cemetery. The Thomas family thanks every staff member at Heron Cove II for their excellent and compassionate care throughout his stay as a resident. You made a difficult journey much easier to bear for everyone. In memory of Gerald, memorial contributions can be made to Gloucester Youth Baseball PO Box 2046 Gloucester, VA 23061. Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.