Gary Thomas

Gary Randall Thomas, age 73 of Mannington, WV passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at The White Sulphur Springs Center with his wife Julia by his side. Born January 6, 1953 in Williamsburg, WV, he served in the United States Army for three years and then worked as a school bus mechanic for 34 years in Greenbrier County where he wore out several office chairs while reclining, and often took breaks doing that to fix a bus or two.

After retirement, Gary was promoted to be a “stay-at-home” Dad and a gentleman farmer. He was an avid hunter and passionate bear hunter, even more passionate about telling his stories of bear hunting. Even in the later stages of his dementia, he loved to tell stories of the many deer heads and bear head rugs that he loved.

After living the majority of his life in Greenbrier County, he moved to his wife’s hometown of Mannington in 2019 where he fell in love with North Marion Ladies basketball and went to many games. He also learned to deal with the yearly obsession of his in-laws with The Mannington District Fair where he sat multiple evenings, including this past year, watching his daughters show all manner of livestock for the 4-H and the FFA. He was beloved by multiple nieces and nephews whom he loved to introduce bear hunting too!

Gary is survived by wife Julia Carson-Thomas, his three daughters, Nicole, Natalie, and Sylvia, all living at home. He is also survived by family members including Aninina Tomlin, Twila (Brent) Lively, Janese (Rick) Gerkin, Darrin Thomas, Corley Thomas, Kim (Corey).

Gary was preceded in death by his father Robert Thomas, his mother Dreama Thomas, his sister Lora Redmond and a nephew, Wayne Rife. He will be missed by several nieces and nephews, several great-nieces and nephews, multiple great-great nieces and nephews, his good friend and bear hunting partner David Mitchell and multiple hunting enthusiasts that spent countless hours hunting with him on Cold Knob.

Family and friends may call at Masters Funeral Home in Mannington, WV where visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 12-5:00pm with a memorial service beginning at 5:00pm officiated by Wesley Bashlor. His family would like to especially thank the staff at The White Sulphur Springs Center for their wonderful care in Gary’s final days, especially his niece Stephanie Johnston for pulling “double-duty” as his amazing nurse/caregiver and loving niece. In lieu of flowers make donations to Mannington Fire Department 101 Clayton St. Mannington WV 26582.