Oak Hill - Jack Thomas Sr., a kind, gentle, and generous man, left this great earth for a better place on January 17, 2026, in Oak Hill, WV. At 95 years old, Jack was known for his joyful, loving spirit and a heart filled with gratitude for life and all it had given him.

Born on June 4, 1930, in Winding Gulf, WV, Jack was the seventh child of Floyd "Slim" and Elsie Ailstock Thomas. He carried with him many fond memories of his youth in Winding Gulf and Coal City, where he and his siblings spent countless hours playing cards, puzzles, badminton, horseshoes, and croquet. He lived by the motto, "A family that plays together, stays together."

A 1948 graduate of Stoco High School, Jack dedicated 35 years to the coal industry. He began his career at age 19 with Westmoreland Coal Company at the Riffe Branch mine—a mine opened by his father and eventually closed by Jack and his brother Johnny. He concluded his career at the Eccles Mine and was a proud and loyal member of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) for 75 years.

Jack was a cornerstone of the Coal City Community Church for over 60 years. A devoted Christian, he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, Superintendent, and choir leader. His commitment to his community extended to the Coal City Volunteer Fire Department, where he was a founding member and president. In his later years, he cherished attending events at the Coal City Senior Center with his children. An avid outdoorsman, Jack was happiest tending to his garden or enjoying the annual family beach trip.

Jack was reunited in heaven with his beloved wife of 67 years, Rosemary Bower Thomas; his parents; his brothers, Floyd "Bud," Johnny, and Jerry; and his sisters, Betty, Ruth, Helen, and Mary Lee.

His legacy of love is carried on by his son, Jack Thomas Jr. and his wife Beverly of Oak Hill; and his daughter, Janie Thomas Slaughter and her husband Thomas of Winston-Salem, NC. He was the proud grandfather of Kelli Wilburn and her husband Gerald, and April Smith and her husband George; and the doting great-grandfather of Ty, Eli, Lincoln, Jada, and Leila. He is also survived by his brothers, Jimmy Thomas of Santa Fe, NM, and Bob "Wheel" Thomas of Oak Hill; sisters-in-law Barbara Helvey and Nora Faye Keen, whom he considered sisters; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Jack did not know a stranger.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Bower Hospice House or to a charitable organization of the donor's choice.

A Celebration Of Life Service will be conducted at the Coal City Community Church on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM, with Rev. Gary Bowers officiating. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the services on Thursday at the church. A private burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens at Prosperity, WV.

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be made to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net.

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 1901 South Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV.