Obituary of Russell Davis Thomas

Russell Davis Thomas, 76, of Bedford, passed away Saturday, April 16 in Centra Lynchburg General Hospital after a brief illness. He was born on August 14, 1945 in Bedford County, VA. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Dorothy Elkins Thomas. He was the son of the late Willie (Bill) Davis Thomas and Stella Louise Hoback Thomas. Russell retired after 36 years of service from Rubatex Corporation as a Maintenance Mechanic. After retirement, he worked for SCI Ericsson, and later as a delivery driver for Kitchen & Bath Designs and Cornerstone Cabinets. He is survived by his daughter, Cindy Thomas; his son, Scott Thomas (Kathy); grandchildren Bella Hale and Samantha Thomas; sister, Sally Radford (Ronnie); honorary grandchildren, Peyton Stanley (Ethan), Michael (Dee) and David Lacy; sisters-in-law, Vickie McPhearson (Ed) and Shirley Elkins; brothers-in-law, Gerald Elkins (Betty) and Harold Dooley. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Sheri McPhearson. Specials friends who always checked on him, Dawn, Sara & Kris, Louise & Lisa, Maureen & Connie, Punkin & Crinky, and special cousins Margaret & Dana, and Lorraine & Connie. Daddy/PawPaw/Rusty loved to hunt and fish and one of his greatest moments was helping Sammy track her first deer. Daddy would want everyone to feel comfortable, so please feel free to wear camo and jeans if you prefer. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Friday, April 22, 2022 at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Rev. Wayne Murphy officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 12 noon prior to the service. Interment will follow in Nicopolis United Methodist Church Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Bedford.