Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Phil Kopice Thomas, Sr., 63, also known as “Bo”, went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 27, 2020 at Charleston Area Medical Center.

Phil was born April 7, 1957 in Oak Hill, West Virginia. He was the second born and first son of eight children.

Phil’s unwavering love for God directed his path to become a worshiper, servant and witness for the Lord. He was a Deacon and active member at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Garten, West Virginia. He loved to lead devotion, be a master of ceremony and sing in the choir. He was truly one of God’s disciples.

Phil’s love for masonry and construction started at an early age as he learned alongside his uncle J.P. Prior to graduating from Oak Hill High School in 1977, he won first place in the Vo-Tech Masonry Competition, and went on to place second in the state competition.

Phil attended West Virginia Institute of Technology and was a licensed contractor. For the vast majority of his career, he was self-employed with Thomas Construction. He was also a semi-truck driver which inspired his son’s career as the owner of Phil & Son’s Trucking Inc.

Phil was married to the love of his life and best friend, Bessie Thomas, for 41 years. With his calm nature and quiet demeanor, you could always find him by her side as a helpmate and confidant. From helping in the classroom to protesting on the picket line, and even assisting with household chores,

Phil was the epitome of a great husband. He was also an extraordinary father to his three children by always making them his number one priority. He is remembered for his immense selflessness, constant encouragement and endless love.

Phil was preceded in death by his mother, Emma Lou Thomas; maternal grandparents, Andrew and Allie B. Thomas; and sister, Oretha Korhone (Big Bit).

Left to cherish precious memories are his dear wife, Bessie Thomas of Oak Hill, West Virginia; son, Phil Thomas II (Brandy) of Oak Hill, West Virginia and daughters, Shenia Thompson of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Sherain Bruce (Isaiah) of Douglasville, Georgia; seven grandchildren, Damaria, Braylan, Johnny, Gabrielle, Landon, Phoenix and Isaiah; siblings, Linda Mack (Dennis), Bobby Thomas (Jessica), Aletha Thomas, Kevin Thomas, Eric Thomas (Tina) and Shirley Bizjak (John); aunts, Brenda Thomas and Ann Mitchell; uncle, Ernest Thomas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

Funeral service will include the viewing from 11:00-12:00. The service will begin at 12:00 noon on Monday, December 7 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Garten, WV, with the Rev. Keith Walker officiating.

Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Beckley, West Virginia.

Online condolences may be sent to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, gloves, masks and social distancing will be required to attend the service.

Email condolences to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.