David Booth Thomas

David Booth Thomas, of Salem, Virginia, passed away in the early morning hours of October 11, 2026, following a 10-month battle with cancer. Born on August 16, 1951, to Jesse and Goldie Thomas of Boones Mill, Dave graduated from Franklin County High School in 1969.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Goldie Thomas; his sister, Diane Jamison; his in-laws, John Corbin and Clara Hatcher; his sister-in-law, Patricia Hatcher; and his niece, Amanda Custer.

He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Ethel Hatcher Thomas, and his beautiful daughter, Jennifer Thomas. He missed them every day, and we find comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with his beloved Ethel and Jennifer.

Dave is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Thomas Picard; his son-in-law, Scott Gibson; his grandchildren, Sophia Gibson and Jack Picard; his uncle Glenn Thomas (Pearl); his brothers- and sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will cherish his memory.

Dave was a social, talkative man who never met a stranger. He loved finding out where people were from and could almost always discover some connection to them along the way. He had a special knack for uncovering family connections, often discovering relatives we never knew we had. Whether chatting with a stranger or catching up with someone he had known for years, Dave had a way of making people feel connected. Even throughout his cancer treatment, he continued to leave a lasting impression on his nurses and caregivers, sharing his personality and conversation with those who cared for him.

Visitation will be held at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem on Wednesday, October 14, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Fairmont Baptist Church in Boones Mill on Thursday, October 15, at 11:00 a.m., where Dave will be laid to rest beside his sweet Ethel.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dave’s memory to Blue Ridge Cancer Center, Carilion Cancer Center, or Carilion Hospice.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped care for Dave throughout his illness. Your kindness, compassion, and support will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.