Fairfax remembers Bobby Thomas, devoted family man and golf lover

Fairfax lost one of its steadier familiar faces when Robert Lavern “Bobby” Thomas died May 30 at age 90, ending a life that his family said was marked by faith, humor and unwavering devotion to the people around him.

In a county of 8,039 residents spread across 408.1 square miles of land, a man like Thomas could not stay on the sidelines for long. He was the kind of neighbor who turned up at games, recitals and tournaments, the one who made sure his presence was felt not with spectacle but with consistency. His family remembered that he rarely missed a match or performance, and they pointed to the trips that mattered most, including a drive to Florida to watch a soccer match and the proud sideline support he gave at a grandson’s golf tournament.

Thomas and his wife, June Thomas, were married 68 years, a partnership his family described as built on devotion, gentleness and steadfast love. Together, they raised a family rooted in faith, kindness and joy. He is survived by June Thomas, his son Robby Thomas, daughter Kim Duncan, son-in-law Joey Duncan, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Golf was one of Thomas’s great pleasures, and it became one of the ways he stayed connected to the people he loved. He found happiness on the course, welcomed friendly competition and treasured time with lifelong friends. Some of his sweetest memories, his family said, came from teaching his grandchildren the game while also passing along lessons about life between shots.

That blend of warmth and wit defined him at home and among friends. Family members said he was quick with a joke, loved a good story and could get a laugh in nearly any setting. They remembered a playful spirit and an infectious laugh that could brighten a room and ease the mood wherever he went.

Thomas was also the last of six children, leaving behind nieces and nephews whom he cherished. Funeral services were set for Saturday, June 6, at Fairfax First Baptist Church, with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. The family asked that memorial gifts be made to Fairfax First Baptist Church, a final gesture that reflects how deeply Thomas’s life remained tied to the church, his family and the town he called home.