Percy Garnell Thomas

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”  Psalm 73:26

Percy Garnell Thomas of Newport News, Virginia went to be with his Lord on Thursday, December 12, 2024, in his home after a hard-fought battle with cancer, never losing spirit or faith. Percy was a beloved husband, father, grandfather "PaPa", son, brother, and friend to so many. He was born on July 24, 1952, in Monroe, Virginia, to Mark Thomas Sr. and Mattie B. Thomas.

As a young boy, Percy was a member of Rising Sun Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe, VA. He attended Amherst High School.  After graduating, he moved to Mount Vernon, NY where he joined the United States Air Force. He married Deborah Funderburk in 1972. Percy was sent to Korea for a year, afterwards, he was stationed at Langley AFB in Hampton Roads, VA, where he and his wife came to settle and raise their two children. Percy was honorably discharged in 1975 and went on to receive his business degree from Thomas Nelson Community College.  He began a successful sales career after finishing school.  He later opened Audio Frequency in 1990.  He would ultimately become one of Hampton Road's most accomplished black business owners for over thirty-four years. Percy earned countless professionally recognized accolades and awards over his career.

In his spare time, Percy enjoyed listening to music or playing his guitar. He found joy in fishing and practicing Karate.  He loved grilling on the weekends but most importantly he loved to spend time with his family. Percy and Debbie attended Colossian Baptist Church in Newport News, VA. After his wife of forty-three years passed, Percy joined Colossian Baptist church where he became a member of his beloved male chorus.

He was preceded in passing by his brother Carl Thomas; father Mark Thomas; mother Mattie B. Thomas; wife Deborah Thomas; and sister Diane Bitting.

Percy is survived by his son Garnell Thomas of Charlotte, NC; daughter Takisha Vann of Clayton, NC; seven beautiful grandchildren, Deshawn, Denajiah, Eleighsha, Mikaiah, Nathan Jr., Nay’Ari, and Isaiah; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Rochella Burford, Earlene Barbour (Willie), Mark Thomas Jr. (Virginia), and Melody Burford (David); a dear partner Angelyn; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. 

Funeral Services to celebrate Percy's life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Colossian Baptist Church, Newport News, VA, with a viewing beginning at 11:00 a.m. A second service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 20, 2024, at Rising Sun Missionary Baptist Church, Monroe, VA, with a viewing beginning at 12:00 p.m. Interment with military honors to follow in Rising Sun Gardens cemetery. 

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com 

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