Johnny "Big Earl" Thomas

Life Reflections 

The Life of Johnny E. Thomas

On August 23, 2024, Johnny E. Thomas, 77, known affectionately as “Earl” to family and friends transitioned from this earthly life after a long illness. Earl was born on August 5, 1947, to Elaine Estelle and Hucless B. Thomas, the youngest of 5 siblings. Earl’s earlier days were spent at the Hobson Elementary School. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in1967. He was in the High School Choir and briefly played football. 

Earl was a student at Norfolk State University, where he found himself drafted into the U.S Army after taking a semester off to work at Smithfield Packing Company to save money to buy a car so he could return to college with his own transportation.

He told of how he found himself marching through the jungle in rain in Vietnam. The rain would last from 30-40 days at times. Often times, he stated that the tears would just flow from homesickness as well as fear of getting killed because he could hear the enemy weaponry sounding off day and night in the background. Also, he and his comrades were busy with removing leeches from each other, especially after having to pass through the rivers and ponds. In addition, they had to make sure to ward off snakes, that would sometimes slither into their tents. 

Upon returning home, Earl decided to work for an electrical business that a cousin had turned him on to, he was hooked. He applied and became an electrical apprentice for the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 1979, where he worked in Shop 51, retiring as a Zone Manager after over 35 years. 

He married the love of his life, Yvonne Taylor in 1979, after a five-year courtship. From that marriage, two sons were born. Earl maintained an enthusiasm for learning how to repair and put things together, including car engines, doing roof repairs, home repairs and of course, electrical needs. He loved working on what he called the “home house” where he grew up with his siblings. He was an avid fisherman going out on his boat although, unable to swim. He preferred the Nansemond River over the Mills E Godwin Bridge but would venture out towards Virginia Beach.

Preceding his transition were his grandson, Derrick Bennett, sister, Vera Mae Thomas, nephew, Marshalle Mitchell, his beloved Son, Antoni L. Thomas and most recently his brother-in-law, Randolph Mitchell.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 48 years, Yvonne, his two sons, Duane Walker (Nicole), Earl Tremaine Thomas, daughter-in-law, (Sherri Thomas), granddaughter, Tiara Thomas and grandson, Xavier Tynes, great granddaughter, Adannaya Bennett, his brother, Hucless B. Thomas Jr. (Melinda), his sisters, Vernell Mitchell, Estelle White (Wallace), Claudette Taylor (Pete), Dedicated sister-in-law and friend Melanie Kee. A host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

On Friday, August 30, 2024 viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will held at 11:00am on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Chapel. Interment will be in Albert G. Horton, Jr Memorial Cemetery.  Please keep the Thomas family in your prayers.