Dr. Curtis H. Thomas Jr.

Dr. Curtis Hampton Thomas Jr, beloved family man, physician, and gentleman farmer, passed away after a short illness on May 28th 2015. “Buddy” as he was known to his family and close friends, was born on August 14, 1938 in Sophia WV to the late Curtis Hampton Thomas Sr. and Virginia Burleson Thomas.
He was a proud graduate of Sophia High School, Sophia, WV. He attended Mercersburg Academy, a private college preparatory school in Mercersburg, PA. He graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He attended graduate school at West Virginia University and graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri in 1967. Following an internship at Green Cross General Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls Ohio, Dr. Thomas joined Fayette Clinic in Lochgelly, WV where he practiced family medicine with Dr. Donald C. Newell Sr. Later they were joined in the practice by his close friend Dr. Donald C. “Doc” Newell whom he considered a brother. From an early age, Buddy knew he wanted to be a “country doctor”, wanted a big house with columns and horses. He completely fulfilled that dream. He practiced compassionate and personal medicine and was known to make house calls. Upon his retirement from Fayette Clinic in 2003, his need to remain active led him to join New River Family Health Center part-time where he was still practicing at the time of his death. In addition, he was Medical Director for numerous local skilled nursing facilities
Throughout the years, Dr. Thomas served in many positions including: President of the Staff at Plateau Area Medical Center; was named Pioneer in Osteopathic Medicine in WV as well as 2002 Practitioner of the Year. He was Collins High School Football Team physician; member of the Oak Hill High School Hall of Fame; Past President of the WV Osteopathic Medical Association and a member of the American Osteopathic Association. He was an active supporter of WV School of Osteopathic Medicine as well as a Preceptor of medical Student for WVSOM. Buddy loved his hometown of Sophia and remained active in Sophia area civic affairs as well as the Boy Scouts and was instrumental in the preservation and relocation of the historic Boy Scout cabin in Sophia. Dr. Thomas was a proud member of the Oak Hill Baptist Church.
Dr. Thomas is survived by his devoted and loving wife of nearly 52 years Rosalie Bailey Thomas, stepmother Ruth Ella Thomas; son, Curtis Hampton Thomas III and his wife Amy, of Beckley; daughter, Virginia Thomas Workman and husband Robert of Fayetteville; grandchildren: Curtis Hampton Thomas IV, Sophie Emerson Thomas, Colten and Jager Workman; sisters, Jane Thomas Marks of Charleston and Sarah Thomas Prochaska of Charlotte, NC, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be sorely missed by his family, his patients, his friends and his most beloved horses and other pets.
Visitation will be on Monday June 1, at Oak Hill Baptist Church from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. immediately followed by the funeral service with the Rev. David Sneed officiating. Burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the C. Hampton Thomas Sr. Memorial Fund in care of the Beckley Area Foundation, 129 Main St. #203, Beckley, WV 25801 or the charity of your choice.

Pallbearers will be Curtis Hampton Thomas, III, Curtis Hampton Thomas, IV, Donald Newell, Jr., Blaine Woodson, Richard Wolfe, Robert Workman, Colten Workman and Jager Workman
Online condolences may be sent to www.tyreefuneralhome.com .
Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill is in charge of arrangements.