[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 166 (Wednesday, November 20, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1717]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBRANCE OF JOSEPH CAMPBELL THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 20, 2013

  Mr. GRIFFITH of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I submit these remarks today 
in remembrance of Joseph Campbell Thomas, a lifelong resident of 
western Roanoke County, Virginia who passed away at the age of 91.
  Joe was born on March 25, 1922, and grew up on his family farm during 
the Great Depression. He helped raise crops and livestock, worked in 
his family's tomato canning factory, and graduated from Andrew Lewis 
High School in 1939. While attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute, 
Joe was a member of the Regimental Command of the Corps of Cadets, the 
Scabbard and Blade and the VPI German Club. After graduating, Joe 
joined the United States Army Air Corps, and served our country as a 
pilot flying the Lockheed P-38 Lightning.
  After some time working for American Bridge and General Motors, Joe 
joined his brothers Frank and Lewis to found Thomas Bros. excavating 
contractors. Their hard work paid off, and Thomas Bros. eventually grew 
into a premier company with important projects like Lewis Gale 
Hospital, Carilion Hospital, Salem Memorial Stadium, Valley View Mall, 
Tanglewood Mall, and others.
  Outside of work, though, Joe was a lifelong member of Salem's First 
United Methodist Church and an avid golfer. He gave back to the 
community by serving on numerous boards and organizations including the 
Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, the Roanoke County School Board, 
the Richfield Retirement Community Board of Directors, Lewis Gale 
Medical Foundation, Salem Rotary Club, the Salem YMCA, and others. He 
was a regular fixture at his alma mater over the years, rarely missing 
a Virginia Tech football or basketball game. He served as Chairman of 
the Virginia Tech Second Century Campaign, the Virginia Tech Athletic 
Fund, and the Hackin' Hokies. He also was awarded the Virginia Tech 
Distinguished Alumni Award in 1993 for his contributions to industrial 
engineering.
  Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Leftwich Thomas; his 
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Brown Thomas; brothers Frank Brown Thomas 
Jr. and Lewis Preston Thomas; and sister, Mary Louise Thomas Crain. He 
is survived by daughter Julia Thomas Arthur and her husband Michael; 
son Joseph Campbell Thomas Jr. and his wife Leigh; five grandchildren; 
nieces and nephews; and other loving members of his family.
  My thoughts and prayers go out to Joe's family and loved ones. His 
love for his family and neighbors and his contributions to our 
community will always be remembered and cherished in Salem and 
throughout the Roanoke Valley.

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