THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 15, 1996 TAG: 9603150418
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: Short : 29 lines
Leland Emeral Thomas, 92, of Briarwood Lane, died March 13, 1996.
Mr. Thomas retired from Virginia Chemicals after 42 years. He was a native of West Norfolk, and was a life long member of St. Marks United Methodist Church in Portsmouth. He was a member of Churchland Masonic Lodge (NU)276 A.F.&A.M. for 70 years. Mr. Thomas was an avid letter writer, and his writings often appeared in the letters section of the Virginian-Pilot.
He is survived by his wife, Annie Ruth Gordon Thomas; a daughter, Carol T. Grider and her husband, Jim; two grandsons, Richard T. Grider and his wife, Sarah of Statesville, N.C., and Andrew Thomas Grider of Williamsburg; and two great-grandchildren, Jenny Grider and Joseph Gaddy.
A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday in Oak Grove Cemetery, Portsmouth, by the Rev. Douglas D. Gestwick. The family will receive friends at the residence. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Marks United Methodist Church, 4401 Twin Pines Road, Portsmouth, 23703. Snellings Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel, is handling arrangements. Friends desiring to view may call at the funeral home after 9 a.m. today.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB