Rodger Dale (Baby Face) Thomas, 69, of Alderson, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family following a battle with Dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases. Rodger was born Nov. 16, 1955, at Alderson. He was the son of the late Forrest Cleveland Thomas, Sr. and the late Martha Virginia Carter Thomas.
Rodger was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a member and deacon at the Fort Springs Missionary Baptist Church. Rodger loved his large family and spending time with all of them. He was a special pawpaw to all his grandchildren. Hunting, working, and mowing grass were his passions in life.
Rodger started his working career at Rebel Recording Company and Freeland Farm in Asbury. He then went to The Greenbrier Hotel to work as a carpenter before starting his own contracting business, Thomas Building and Repair, which he operated until retiring in 2022. He and his crew built and repaired many homes in the surrounding areas.
In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his siblings Bertha Reynolds, Forrest C. Thomas, Jr. and Harry Thomas.
Survivors include his wife Betty with whom he spent the last 50 years, his son William J. Thomas (Amanda), daughter Carrie Chapman (John), grandchildren; Jacob Thomas and fiancé Hailley Lesher, Abigail Boone (James), Nicolas Thomas (Lauren), Zachary Mullins and fiancé Kiara Phillips, Thomas Mullins and fiancé Justice Wood, Autumn Helsinger (Garrett), Virginia Pearl Thomas, Ian Chapman, Dylan Carter (whom he considered a grandson), great-grandchildren; Wesley Eugene Helsinger, James D. Boone, III (Trey), brother Rodney L. Thomas (Natalie) of Texas; sisters; Shirley Thomas and friend Kevin Wagner of Asbury, Louise Hiser (Frank) of Fairlea, Nancy Baker (Dee) of Alderson, and Betty Morgan of Alderson, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
The family will receive friends, neighbors, and relatives at the Fort Spring Missionary Baptist Church, 1336 Fort Spring Pike, Ronceverte, WV 24970, Friday, June 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 14, at 1 p.m. with pastor Joseph Morgan officiating. Interment will follow in the Muddy Creek Cemetery, Blakers Mill. Pall bearers will be Jacob Thomas, Nicolas Thomas, Zachary Mullins, Thomas Mullins, James Boone, Garrett Helsinger, and Dylan Carter.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Fort Springs Missionary Baptist Church AWANA program for children.
Alderson Funeral Services and Smathers Funeral Chapel are honored to have been entrusted to care for Rodger and his family.
Online condolences are encouraged at www.smathersfuneralchapelinc.com
