Rev. Charles Henry Thomas

On January 23, 2026, Rev. Charles Henry Thomas was called to his Heavenly Home. His life began on July 6, 1935, to the late Clarence Thomas and Helen Ruth Toliver in York County, VA. He was the only child from this union. After the passing of both of his parents at an early age, Rev. Thomas was raised by his grandmother, Virginia Toliver. He was preceded in death by his wife Cora E. Thomas.

Rev. Thomas was educated in York County Public Schools. He was affectionately known as “Rock” by close friends and family. As the story was told, he took great pride in his fashion attire, which earned him the nickname, inspired by the great actor Rock Hudson.

He worked several jobs until he was hired at the Newport News Shipyard, where he dedicated more than 30 years of service before retiring. Following retirement, he continued working alongside Gussie and Aroy Abrams in their cement finishing business into the late 1990's. 

A soft-spoken, God-fearing, kindhearted man, Rev. Thomas was always ready to pray and encourage others. His Christian walk began at an early age. Rev. Thomas served as an associate minister at Queen Street Baptist Church in Hampton and later joined Rising Sun Baptist Church, where he also served as an associate minister. During his time at Rising Sun Baptist Church, he led noonday prayer.  Before the pandemic, on the fourth Sunday of each month, Rev. Thomas, along with members of Rising Sun Baptist Church, provided prayer services for the staff and residents at Bayside and Regency Nursing Homes.

Rev. Charles H. Thomas leaves to cherish his loving memories three close cousins, Eugene McCoy, Linda McCoy-Hampton, and Joan Vaden; a special friend, Jean Washington; a close friend, Patricia Curtis; adopted son Perry Washington Sr.; and many other relatives and friends. 

A service to celebrate Rev. Thomas's life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Rising Sun Baptist Church, with a viewing beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens. 

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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