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Allison Neal Thomas


Sunrise: October 9, 1930

Sunset: March 3, 2019

In Remembrance of Allison (“Tommy”) Neal Thomas, Sr.

Allison (“Tommy”) Neal Thomas, Sr. departed this life on March 3, 2019 at the age of 88  after complications related to his cancer treatments. Tommy was born into the union of the late Allison Wilmer Thomas and Margaret “Maggie” Sims on October 9, 1930 in Bryans Road, MD. He graduated from Pomonkey High School in 1947 where he played shortstop on the baseball team and played clarinet in the school band. He often talked about having won multiple spelling bees during his high school years, including competitions in Hampton, VA. After high school, he joined the Navy and attended boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois.

While a young seaman in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Tommy met and married the love of his life Fletcher Mildred Majette in 1951, and they enjoyed 68 wonderful years of marriage. Mildred and Tommy began their married life together in Washington, DC, where they welcomed their son, Allison (“Al”), in 1958.

Tommy’s career in the Navy began during the time when the Navy first provided opportunities for African-Americans to hold positions other than a steward or cook.  Tommy chose a career as an aircraft structural mechanic. In that role he served multiple tours to the Mediterranean region aboard aircraft carriers The Midway and The Saratoga.

After 20 years of honorable service, Tommy retired from active duty. Tommy then worked as a civilian at the Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF) for another 20 years and retired for a second time. While working as a civilian, Tommy enrolled in Tidewater Community College and took business courses in pursuit of an Associate’s Degree.

Tommy was a dedicated husband and father—he would often tell others how much he loved his wife and how proud he was of his son.

Around the house it was common to see him cooking meals, doing the dishes, washing clothes, and taking care of the house. The family would never forget the season in which he was fond of baking pies, and sometimes they were good!

Tommy was the ultimate sports enthusiast. Each day he would open his newspaper, turn to the listings of sports to be broadcast for the day, and fold the listings into a small rectangle which he would use as his guide for the day. He loved baseball (especially the Atlanta Braves), football (especially the Redskins), basketball (his favorite was the Wizards), and golf (enjoyed Tiger). Additionally, one of his hobbies was solving daily crossword puzzles. In his younger days, he enjoyed photography and documenting his travels and family events.

Tommy loved the Lord deeply, studied the Word regularly, and walked out his Faith in his daily life through acts of kindness. Tommy had a servant’s heart and was an active and dedicated member of the First Baptist Church South Portsmouth, where he was Chairman of the Trustee Board, and an active member of the Men’s Ministry, Men’s Sunday School class, and Men’s Chorus. In the early ‘70s while his son Allison participated in scouting with the church, Tommy proudly served as a leader of the troop.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers James of Marshalls Corner, MD and Earl of Mason Springs, MD. Tommy is survived by his beloved wife, Mildred; devoted son Al (Avis) of Houston, TX; loving granddaughter Ashley of Houston, TX; sisters Ellen (Spruel) of Pisgah, MD and Portia Miles (Frank) of Springdale, MD; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Viewing Thursday, March 7, 2019 Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23701 Service Friday, March 8, 2019 12 Noon First Baptist Church South Portsmouth 1445 Centre Avenue Portsmouth, VA 23704 Interment Albert G. Horton Jr. Veteran Cemetery 5310 Milners Road Suffolk, VA 23434

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Condolences(10)

  1. reply
    Malinda Moore says

    To the Thomas Family, With Deepest SYMPATYHY for the Loss of your Father. Al, I know that Death brings pain that time can only heal, No words can ease what you really feel right now; But with your Trust in GOD, your joy is eternally sealed. Cherish the precious memories with your DAD that death can’t steal. Take some Strength and Lift up a smile for you know he is already in paradise. My Deepest Condolences – and my prayers are with you, your MOM and your family. Malinda Moore

  2. reply
    Donna Altomari says

    My deepest sympathy to the Thomas family on the loss of your Husband, Father, Father-In-Law and Grandfather. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  3. reply
    Barry Williams says

    Al, my sincere condolence to you and your family on the loss of your father. My God comfort you and your family during this difficult time.

  4. reply
    Katrina Dibala says

    I cannot begin to imagine what you are feeling and I know there is nothing I can say to ease the pain. I hold you and your family in my heart as you all remain in my thoughts and prayers. I pray the love of God embraces you during your journey through grief.

    “When you lose someone you love, you gain an angel you know”
    ~ Unknown

  5. reply
    Laquinda Newman says

    My prayers are with you and your family at this time of bereavement. I know that your family is strong in faith, and you all will lean on each other and the word of God for comfort.
    We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.2 Corinthians 5:8

  6. reply
    Irving S Moses Jr says

    Al, Avis, and Ashley, Mrs. Thomas…..we share at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, TX your loss. The Pastor, Clergy staff and the Deacon/Deaconess Boards are praying for your family during this time of reflection and celebration of your dear Father’s journey on this planet. He is now in Heaven with our Lord, enjoying the ancestors. We will be there for you anytime you need us. With Christian Love, we hope your family and extended clan will find comfort in the coming days.

  7. reply
    Terri Lindquist says

    Saying goodbye to a parent is one of the hardest things we – as children – have to do. Grief will pass and beautiful memories of a life well lived and a life which you were blessed to be a part will fill the void left by your dad’s passing.

    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this time and in the days to come.

  8. reply
    Brian & Mary Rollins says

    Al, please know that we love you and pray for strength, comfort and peace for the entire family during this time of loss. Know that the Lord our God is with you and will continue to keep you even in this difficult time.

  9. reply
    Zainab Salim says

    Al,
    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. I pray that God comforts you in way that only He can.

  10. reply
    Loistene Monger Mason says

    Cousin Mildred and Al,?
    I pray you are finding strength to sustain you during these difficult days.

    I can’t be there but am praying for you and your family and will keep you all lifted up in prayer.

    Our deepest and sincere condolences for your loss.

    Sending our love to you from the family of the late Stanley Monger, Sr.

    Love,
    Loistene

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