John A. "Al" Thomas
Class of 1962

Kill Devil Hills, NC - John A. Thomas (Al) passed away on May 8, 2017. Born April 12, 1944, in Portsmouth, VA. Left to cherish him always are his loving wife of 52 years, Billie DeMatteo Thomas; their 3 daughters, Angel Tulli (David), Andrea Thomas, and Tia Dunnill (Brett); and their 6 grandchildren, David, Alexis, Grace, John, Ava, and Ethan.

Al grew up in Cradock and graduated from Cradock High School. He is predeceased by his parents, Alice S. and Walter Earl Thomas and is survived by his siblings, T.O. Williams, Bill Thomas, and Pat Humphrey.

Al lived in Suffolk with his family and worked at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and SUPSHIP Newport News for 38 years before retiring to his beloved Outer Banks. Al loved his family more than anything and always put them first. He loved fishing, looking out over the water from his deck, and he particularly enjoyed construction projects, including building a beach house on the Outer Banks and a playhouse for his three daughters. He was always there for his family and was a softball coach and an honorary Girl Scout leader. Al was an adoring husband and father and dedicated himself to his family.

To honor Al's wishes there will be no funeral service. There will be a celebration of his life for the immediate family at a later date. Donations may be made in his honor to KDH Fire Department Auxiliary, P.O. Box 2544, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 or Colington Volunteer Fire Department, 108 Schoolhouse Rd, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948.

"I cried endlessly when you died, but I promise I won't let the tears mar the smiles you gave me when you were alive."

Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.TwifordFH.com.

Source: The Virginian Pilot on May 12, 2017, Norfolk, VA