It is with heavy hearts, we share the passing of Izell Thomas, Jr. Izell passed away peacefully at home on December 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Izell Thomas Jr., affectionately known as "Ike", was a loving and devoted husband, father, and a man whose life reflected deep faith, integrity, and service to others. He was a man of God who believed in doing the right thing, and he showed his faith not just through words, but through his actions - by working hard, loving deeply, always standing on principle, and putting family first.

As a husband, Ike was my partner in every sense of the word. He was steadfast, supportive, and loving, walking beside me with loyalty, strength, and unwavering commitment. His love anchored our family and set an example of what it means to lead with humanity and compassion. He taught his children valuable lessons through example and his impact will live on through the lives he helped shape.

Ike touched the lives of countless children through Union Baptist Church, where he faithfully served by coaching basketball for girls and boys and guiding young people toward a better path. He had a special gift for reaching kids - keeping them out of trouble, encouraging discipline, and bringing them to church - planting seeds of faith, hope, and purpose that will live on for generations.

A hardworking man, Izell was a skilled truck driver for over 40 years, taking pride in his work and providing for his family with dedication and perseverance. He also proudly worked at Meridian Waste for 15 years, where he was respected and valued by his coworkers. Earlier in life, he honorably served in the United States Army, a reflection of his deep sense of duty and commitment. Izell attended Carter G. Woodson school in Hopewell, VA.

Ike found joy in the simple blessings of life. He loved fishing, cooking, listening to oldies-but-goodies music, watching sports, and socializing with family and friends. His laughter, wisdom, and warm presence filled every room he entered.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine Thomas and Isiah Thomas, Sr. and his brother, Al Thomas.

Ike is survived by his loving wife, Teresa D. Thomas; his children, Izell Thomas III, Pandora Thomas (Jeremiah), Gregory Allen (Linda), Lafayette Thomas (Kelly), Felicia Thomas, bonus son, Earnest (Jayda), Siara Dunston, Celita Dunston, DeAndre Dunston, and Tikayla Dunston; sisters-in-law, Wilma Jones, Sheila Dunston, Catina Rooks and Lonnie Thomas; brothers-in-law, Clinton Jones, Walt Dunston (Pastor Peggy), Gary Jones, Wayne Dunston and Patrick Dunston. He also leaves behind his cherished and devoted son, Lafayette Thomas; devoted niece, Sharesa Dunston; devoted grandson, Makahri Dunston and devoted friends, Elaine and William Thomas, Jackie and Brien Bland, Lil Ray, and the Meridian Waste Crew; along with many other relatives, church members, and friends who were blessed by his life. Izell was blessed to leave cherished his memory a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Izell "Ike" Thomas, Jr. will be remembered as a faithful servant of God, a pillar of his family, a mentor to many, and a man whose love was shown through action. His legacy of faith, hard work, and love will continue to live on in all who knew him.

Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Saturday, January 10, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, Bishop Stanley Jones, eulogist. The interment to follow at Mount Sinai Community Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5633549?fl=so&fe=fs