Richard Lewis Thomas Jr. (aka Zip/Sip), son of Mrs. Nancy Leola Thomas and the late Richard Lewis Thomas Sr. was born on July 14, 1954, in Montpelier, VA. He departed this life January 30, 2025.

Richard attended Hanover County Public Schools. He served in the United States Army and was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier. After retiring from work for over 30 years he enjoyed working in his garden, building houses and sheds, fishing, and working on lawn mowers.

He was preceded in death by his brother Gibson Thomas and three brothers-in-law: Fred Copeland, Earnest Thomas and Jerome Shelton.

Richard leaves loving memories with his devoted wife of 46 years, Gwendonetta (aka Daisy) Shelton Thomas; daughter, Danita Thomas Stewart (John); son, Richard Thomas III (Chrisie); five granddaughters, Kaylyn Stewart, Kaili Stewart, Kiana Stewart, Siera Thomas, and Salone Green; three sisters, Shirley Copeland, Cynthia Hall (Melvin), Sandra Graham (Rev. Doctor Donald Ray); one brother, Sherman Thomas (Yvette); four sisters-in-law, Glenda Thomas, Gay Shelton, Geraldine Shelton (Wayne) and Mariela Thomas and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.