Gerald Raye Thomas, age 87, died peacefully on March 20, 2024 at Sanders Heron Cove II in Gloucester, Va.

A lifelong resident of Gloucester County (Guinea), Gerald was a well-known seafood business owner and working waterman on his boat, the Amanda T. He coached Little League and Pony League baseball for many years, with the family spending most spring and summer nights at Gloucester Youth Baseball fields. He was a passionate fan of the Atlanta Braves, and in his later years, was never happier than when a good baseball game was on to watch.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Quillen and Bessie Cottee Thomas; wife, Barbara Lee Bos-well Thomas; son, Mark Stuart Thomas; brother, William (Billy) Thomas, and sister, Lorraine Shackelford Johnson.

He is survived by his sons, Christopher A. Thomas (Debbie) and J. Brook Thomas (Tara); granddaughters, Amanda T. Burnette (Jordan); Amanda’s mother and stepfather, Lisa and Lewis Brown, and granddaughter, Haley C. Thomas. He is also survived by two step-grandsons, Ryan W. Otey (Amanda) and Austin L. Otey (Christina), and five “bonus” great-grandchildren, as well as much-loved family friends, Kimberly Olsen (Larry) of Danville, Vermont, and Andy Killmon (Irene) of Wachapreague, Va.

The family received friends at Hogg Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, from 6-7:30 p.m. Funeral services were held at the graveside on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Rosewell Memorial Garden Cemetery.

The Thomas family thanks every staff member at Heron Cove II for their excellent and compassionate care throughout his stay as a resident. You made a difficult journey much easier to bear for everyone.

In memory of Gerald, contributions can be made to Gloucester Youth Baseball, P.O. Box 2046, Gloucester, Va. 23061.

Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.