Lawrence Randolph 'Bubba' Thomas

     Lawrence Randolph Thomas was born on March 14, 1945 in Greensville County, VA to the late Lawrence and Dallas Thomas.  To those who knew him well, he was referred to as “Bubba”, “JR” and “Ra’ul”. On the afternoon of July 03, 2020 he entered peacefully into eternal rest after battling the debilitating effects of dementia at the Carrington Place Memory Care Facility in Daleville, VA.

     Lawrence enjoyed fellowshipping with the saints and frequently attended different churches throughout the community.  He was a faithful member of the Claresville Baptist Church in Emporia, VA. serving as President and member of the Male Chorus, member of the Senior Choir, Trustee and Custodian.  On any given Sunday he could be heard witnessing to the preacher’s message with his resounding affirmation, “SAY SO!”

     Lawrence was united in holy matrimony on September 03, 1966 to Julie Mae Hill. To this union four children were born.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers - Larry and Ozay Thomas & one sister, Gretchen Ellis.

     Lawrence joined the United States Army on October 25, 1965.  He is a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving the 82nd Airborne Division specializing in parachute assault operations into denied areas with the United States Dept. of Defense.  During his military career, he earned numerous military decorations – National Defense Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Marksman (Rifle M-14) and one Overseas Service Bar.  He was awarded the PURPLE HEART for wounds received in action on May 25, 1967 and was honorably discharged from the military on August 16, 1968.

     Lawrence had a strong work ethic and worked a total of thirty-seven years holding various positions at Kingsbury Homes, Boise Cascade/Georgia Pacific, Newport News Shipbuilding, McElroy Trucking, & Edward W. Wyatt Middle School.   He eventually retired in 2003.

     In his spare time, Bubba enjoyed completing word search puzzles, fishing, hunting, watching country westerns, Sanford & Son and NY Yankee baseball. His favorite football team was the San Francisco 49ers. He could often be found at his favorite watering hole, the Huddle House sipping on iced tea and talking to his friends.

     Lawrence will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 54-years, Julie; four children, Warren Kelvin Thomas of Jarratt, Virginia, Charlene Thomas Spence (Willie) of Chester, Virginia, Veronica Thomas Powell (Shawn) of Emporia, Virginia and Lawrence Randolph Thomas of Enfield, North Carolina; six grandchildren, Yvonne Lee, Courtney Thomas, Isaiah Thomas Spence, Raven Thomas, Jordan Thomas and Morgan Dailey; three great-grandchildren, JaKori, Jahir and Jade; four siblings, Mary Frances Chambliss, Yvonne Taliferro, Earnest Thomas (Ann) and Reginald Thomas (Shirley); a devoted nephew, Dwayne Thomas (Lael); one aunt, Dora Burks; mother-in-law, Bernice T. Walker; brother-in-law, Belma Tucker (Jannette); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mr. Thomas' tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Mr. Lawrence Randolph Thomas.

We ask that you join us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

 "Diligent in Business; Fervent in Spirit." - Romans: 12:11

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