Virgil Thomas “entered the Air Force in 1954, where he became a decorated fighter pilot, earning the distinguished flying cross during combat operations in Vietnam. He served for 21 years, and other tours of duty included England, Libya, Turkey, Germany, and numerous stateside bases.” (1)
Source: (1) https://www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com/tributes/Virgil-Thomas
Virgil Dewayne Thomas, Maj USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on February 20, 2017.
Virgil Dewayne Thomas, age 83, of Colleyville, TX; beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, went to be with his Lord on Monday, February 20, 2017. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Emerald Coast Funeral Home at 11am. Visitation will be held one hour earlier, starting at 10am.
Interment with full military honors will be held at Beal Memorial Cemetery following the service. Prior to moving to Texas several years ago, he was a long time resident of Fort Walton Beach. He was born on April 28, 1933 in Seminole, Oklahoma to Barney and Nellie Thomas. He attended Southern Illinois University, Texas State, and Troy, where he earned degrees in business and computer science. He entered the Air Force in 1954, where he became a decorated fighter pilot, earning the distinguished flying cross during combat operations in Vietnam. He served for 21 years, and other tours of duty included England, Libya, Turkey, Germany, and numerous stateside bases.
He is survived by his children, daughter Virginia Moore (Bob) of Colleyville, TX, son Brigadier General (Ret) Robert Thomas (Mari) of San Antoinio, TX, son Richard Thomas (Rhonda) of Pensacola, FL, and daughter Oclla Oliver of Fort Walton Beach, FL; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brothers Bill Thomas (Wilma) of Borger, TX, Lloyd Thomas (Clara) of Salem, IL, Jim Thomas (Patsy) of Farina, IL, Tom Thomas (Shirley) of Dow, IL, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Remonia Earline Thomas, who he lovingly took care of for many years, and his parents Barney and Nellie Thomas. To say that he will be missed is a gross understatement. He was so loved and we are blessed to have had him in our lives.
Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com
