Dr. Carl Edward Thomas Lewisburg-Dr. Carl Edward Thomas passed away Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2015, at Peyton Hospice House of Fairlea. He was born in Hot Springs, VA, son of Haller and Ollie Dannels Thomas, on Mar. 30, 1934. Dr. Thomas married Rita Louise Kyle on June 12, 1963, in the Baptist Church in Clifton Forge, VA. They would have celebrated 52 years on June 12, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Mosbey Thomas; and sister, Marie Thomas Ballard. Survivors include his wife, Rita; sister-in-law, Caroline V. Thomas of Roanoke, VA; two nephews, Thomas (Kathy) of Howell, MI and Edward (Jum) of Alexandria, VA; two nieces, Linda Thomas of Roanoke, VA and Sue Ann Meeks of Virginia; brother-in-law, Lawrence R. Kyle of Elkins; and many good friends in Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia. He graduated from Valley High School in 1952; received a BA Degree from Emory & Henry, College (VA) in 1956 (Cum Laude); a Masters of Education from the University of Virginia in 1963; graduated from George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville, TN, in 1966; graduated School of University of Maryland with a Doctor of Philosophy in 1977; Licensed Psychologist in MD in 1982 and certified School Psychologist Independent Practitioner in WV in 1992. Dr. Thomas has had a very interesting life. He had a good singing voice and was active in school and church choirs; taught English and Spanish in high school, and later became a principal at Valley High School; was a golf coach and a big golf fan, having played golf courses in Virginia and West Virginia; was a very good cook; liked good music and at age 35 took organ lessons and was very good at it; liked crafts and antique shows and sales; was an avid reader, an animal lover and supported Animal Rights groups and loved his own dogs over the years, two of them rescues. He enjoyed people and working with them to solve problems. He was a guidance counselor in schools until he became a school psychologist in Frederick, MD (1967-1980); and Greenbrier County (1980 - 1994). He went into private practice as a clinical psychologist in 1994 and practiced until 2012 when health issues forced him to retire. He was a faithful member of Lewisburg United Methodist Church since 1981 and served on various committees; an active member of Lewisburg Lions Club; having served as president and served on various committees; and received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award; was as member of APA, PGA, WVAPA and a supporter of Guiding Eves for the Blind; and North Shore Animal Organization as his love for animals was great. Carl’s wish for cremation was honored. A celebration of his life was held Monday, Mar. 30, at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg where Pastor Rick Brown officiated. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to: Lewisburg United Methodist Church; Peyton Hospice House, Fairlea; Guiding Eyes Organization for the Blind or the North Shore Animal Organization. Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
