Earnest Ray Thomas, Sr.

Earnest Ray Thomas, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home June 28, 2022, while surrounded by his family, friends, and loved ones. Earnest was born on January 12, 1951, in New Bern, North Carolina to Robert Lofton and Clara Herrington Thomas.
Earnest spent his early life in New Bern until he joined the Army in 1968. After his service in the military, Earnest started his own pest control service (1979), "Critter Termite & Pest Control," which he owned and operated for over thirty-five years. His years in business earned him one of his many nicknames, "The Critter Man." Although many know Earnest because of his work in the tri-cities area, he is most known for his ministry over the years. Earnest was a mighty man of God who truly followed the admonishment of God as stated in Mark 16:15, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (KJV). Earnest's business gave him many opportunities which he never let pass him by to witness to people on a daily basis. He was fearless in his pursuit of winning souls for Christ. His love of Christ and his desire to witness to others led him to become involved in prison ministry where he faithfully served, volunteering his time for almost forty years.
Following retirement, Earnest never stopped witnessing to others. He never knew a stranger. Wherever he went, everyone was a friend or "brother." Even most recently, as his sickness progressed, he exuded positivity and love. He continued to tell everyone how much he loved them, how happy he was to see them, and continued to touch those that interacted with him. Although he will be missed beyond words, his family knows he has received his healing and he is reaping the rewards of a life well-lived.
In addition to his parents, Earnest is predeceased by two of his older brothers, Robert Louis Thomas, Sr. and James Richard Thomas. He leaves behind his loving wife of more than fifty years, Lois; five children, Earnie, Jr. (Melissa), Sherry (Brian), Brian (Alejandra), Daniel (Lynsie), and Jason (Lindsey). He also leaves behind a host of grandchildren who brought him so much joy, Cassidy Wilkinson (Tanner), Ava Cavey, Aiden Cavey, Thomas Wilkinson, Isaac Wilkinson, Josh Thomas, Arthur Thomas, Nathan Thomas, and Lucy Thomas. He also leaves behind his older, much-loved brother, Jimmy Lee Thomas (Pat); beloved in-laws; several nieces, nephews, and friends.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 2, 2022 at J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home located at 3050 W. Hundred Rd, Chester, VA, 23831. Service will start at 2 pm. There will be a visitation prior to the service from 1-2 pm.