Thomas Chavis

Thomas Levi Chavis, age 85, of Hopewell, Virginia passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2011. He served in the U.S. Navy for three years during World War II on the USS Foreman DE633 and the USS Apollo in the Pacific Theater. Mr. Chavis worked as a civil servant mechanic at Fort Lee, Virginia with thirty-five dedicated years prior to retirement. He loved all types of sports and especially enjoyed playing golf, and always looked forward to the Masters Tournament. Mr. Chavis was a member of the local VFW and American Legion. He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas B. and Myrtle Braswell Chavis; sisters, Louise Chavis and Pauline Belveal; and a brother, Roger Chavis. He is survived by his wife, Novella T. Chavis; daughters, Janet C. Antol, of Hopewell, Vicki L. Thurmond, of Prince George; son, Tommy L. Chavis III, of Hopewell; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Marie C. Podlewski, of Hopewell, and Elizabeth C. Boyette and husband Glenn, of Prince George; brother, David Lee Chavis, of Deltona, Florida; sister-in-law, Betty T. Orlando and husband Joe, of Hopewell; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, April 8, 2011 at the Hopewell chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at First Christian Church of Hopewell, with Pastor Bob Lane officiating. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church of Hopewell, 203 North 11th Avenue, Hopewell, VA 23860-2303. Condolences may be registered online at www.jtmorriss.com .