Robert Bascum Thomas, Jr.

Robert Bascum Thomas, Jr., 76, of Blackstone, VA, passed away Sunday, December 23, 2007. Born June 14, 1931 to the late Robert B. and Elizabeth D. Thomas, he was an educator for over 22 years and a farmer for most of his life.

After serving in the Korean War with the U.S. Army, Robert attended and graduated from Longwood College in 1960. He taught for Amelia County High School and later Blackstone High School until 1968, when he enrolled and graduated with a MAT from UNC in Chapel Hill. While teaching biology and supervising student teachers for Longwood College, he attended Virginia Tech where he obtained his Doctorate of Education in 1981. He had also served as Blackstone Intermediate School Principal. Throughout his educational career, he continued to maintain his beloved family farm in Blackstone.

Robert has served on the Nottoway County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and was a Chairman for the Blackstone Southern States Board of Directors. He was a member of Crenshaw United Methodist Church.

In 2003, Robert gave his collection of horse-drawn buggies and farm equipment for a museum in Blackstone where others could learn of and enjoy this legacy of the past. The Robert B. Thomas Carriage Museum was dedicated and opened to the public in September 2007.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dorothy Marie; a son, Robert B. Thomas III and his wife, Jessica L. Thomas; a daughter, Linda M. Townsend and her husband, Randy E. Townsend; four grandchildren, Craig R. Townsend, Krista M. Townsend, Victoria F. Thomas and Cameron M. Thomas, all of Chesterfield; a sister, Ann T. Hoover of Blackstone; four nephews and three nieces.

Funeral services will be held 11 A.M., Saturday, December 29, at Crenshaw United Methodist Church with interment to follow in Lakeview Cemetery in Blackstone. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M., Friday, December 28, at the Joseph McMillian Funeral Home, Business Highway 460, Blackstone, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sanctuary Fund, c/o Crenshaw United Methodist Church, 200 Church Street, Blackstone, VA 23824 or to a charity of your choice. www.mcmillianfuneralhome.com

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