Joseph Edward Thomas age, 83, of Elk Creek passed away at his home on February 16, 2023.  He was born on April 7, 1939, in Comers Rock Community to Lawrence and Annie Belle Younce Thomas who preceded him in death. Joe retired from Virginia Department of Transportation after twenty-two years of service.  He was a member of Comers Rock Missionary Baptist Church.  Joe was a mentor to the youth of the community. He loved to teach kids to fish and hunt.  He delighted in spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his wife of 65+, Shirley Plummer Thomas of the home; one daughter, Peggy and John Brown of Climax, NC; two sisters, Minnie and Tommy Meadows of Galax, VA and Francis Adams of Galax, VA; grandsons, Johnny Ray and Rebakah Brown of Climax, NC and Joseph Hughes and Kendra Brown of Ramseur, NC; great grandchildren, Chloe, Lucas, Aria, Sawyer, Harper, Owen, and "the one that is on the way!"

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, February 20, 2023, at 2:00 PM  the Comers Rock Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor, Rev. Wilmer Shepherd, Rev. Roger Boyer, and Rev. Mark Wagg officiating.    The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in the Comers Rock Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Comers Rock Missionary Baptist Church C/O Shirley Plummer Thomas 2543 Comers Rock Road Elk Creek, VA 24326, The Elk Creek Rescue Squad PO BOX 130 Elk Creek, VA 24326, or the Elk Creek Fire Department PO BOX 36 Elk Creek, VA 24326.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home is serving the Thomas family.