Waddell Andrew Thomas Sr.

Waddell, born in Lynchburg Virginia, to the late Bishop Charles A. and Sallie Snead Thomas, was one of nine children. Celebrated for his warm, compassionate, caring, and giving heart, Mr. Waddell A. Thomas Sr., our treasured friend, father, brother, grandfather, and comrade, transitioned to his heavenly home at Delaware Hospice Center on Sunday, December 9, 2018. His passage was as his living; majestic, without complaint, accepting and believing that God’s almighty power would not fail. Waddell was distinguished for the many close friendships cultivated over the years, his special love and care for family, his gracious giving to all, his warm smile, caring touch, and desire to do God’s will. As a proud graduate of Dunbar High School, in Lynchburg Virginia, Waddell maintained special relationships with many classmates through the years, despite the separation by distance. He was especially cherished as a loving dad and granddad. Waddell’s granddaughter, A’dora Willis, in her freshman year of college, authored her first published children’s book, “He and Me”. Waddell was a proud, doting supporter of A’dora and her accomplishments. He purchased books and passed them out to many of his friends. His love and care of family is also so reflected in his “Big Brother” role to “Baby Brother”, Charles. Speaking on the phone daily, Waddell modeled life for Baby Brother in ways that are unrivaled. This special relationship was best illustrated by his way of imparting knowledge and love in ways that made “Baby Brother” and all others who knew him feel valued, cherished and extraordinary. Upon completion of high school, Waddell attended Virginia State College, in Petersburg Virginia, and later enlisted in the United States Air Force. After 21 years of notable service, he retired from the military, however, he continued to work. He was proprietor of a Dump Truck Business and drove a city bus for the Dover Transit Company. This experience led him to be a cautious and careful, front and “back seat” driver. (He loved to tell other people how to drive.) With a warm and vibrant personality, Waddell was also an avid Pinochle player. Having traveled over the country participating in tournaments, he made many new friends and established himself with a unique characteristic. When hunger pains were raging, he would rather play pinochle than eat. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Arthur L. Thomas and Albert H. Thomas; four sisters, Jeanette T. Hubbard, Phyllis T. McCall, Barbara T. Shannon, and Frieda T. Davis. Waddell had a very special life that offered him treasured memories and valued experiences. He loved to read his Bible and cherished his special relationship with the Lord. God strengthened him; He soothed him; wrapped him in His infinite love and showered him with blessings too numerous to count, and too magnificent to describe. He was loved, admired and continually gave to others. During years of dialysis treatment and declining health, Waddell never complained, and was so very grateful that a method had been developed to save the life of people experiencing kidney failure. He always expressed appreciation for the care he received and for the ability to share all the joys of a happy, full, and beautiful life. Waddell leaves us with a legacy of love, warmth, and kindheartedness. We have been richly blessed by our relationships with Waddell; we have found great joy in the years of yesterday, and we will forever cherish our time with him. At the end of a full and valued life, God has smiled from His Golden Throne and welcomed Waddell home. He leaves prized memories to a special circle of family that includes three daughters, Benita Hall of Raleigh, NC, Tanya Thomas, of Newark, Delaware, and Dorry Willis Brown, (Lacotta) of District Heights, MD; one son, Waddell A. Thomas, Jr., of Fort Lauderdale, FL; eight grandchildren; one brother, Charles W. Thomas, (Ernestine), of Montgomery Alabama; one sister, Miriam T. Gaines (Governor) of Forest, VA; and a very special devoted friend, Mary Powell, of Dover, Delaware. In addition to the family circle, Waddell leaves treasured memories to a community of many other loving relatives and friends in Dover and in Lynchburg., with whom he has shared countless special times. Dorry who was constantly by his side and Mary who stood with him and was by his side throughout the years said it best, they are trusting God to get them through, remembering that Jesus is always on our side. We are grateful for his life and we know that tomorrows will start without him. Yet, because of his absolute love of life and unselfish giving, every time we think of him, we know that he is right here in our lives and will forever live in the hearts of all of us.

Waddell Andrew Thomas Sr.

September 1, 1937 - December 9, 2018