Floyd Leonard Thomas, III 1946-2022 Obituary
Coach Floyd Leonard Thomas, III, age 76 years, a resident of Elkins, WV departed this life, Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Davis Medical Center at Elkins, WV surrounded by his loving family, following a brief illness.
He was born Friday, January 4, 1946 in Beckley, WV. He was the oldest son of the late Floyd Leonard Thomas, Jr., and Margie Hope Thomas. Floyd was united in marriage on July 27, 1968 to Charlotte A. Demyan, who resides at their home.
He is also survived by his daughter Christy and husband Wesley Wilson; son Seth and his wife Melissa. Along with his grandsons, Thomas, Nathan, and Zane Wilson. Additionally he is survived by one brother, Thomas E. Thomas and several other family members.
In 1963, Floyd graduated from Stoco High School where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. Floyd played semi-pro baseball in Indianapolis, IN until being drafted into the United States Army. After faithfully serving his country, Thomas moved to Michigan working for GM while attending Flint Jr. College.
In 1971 Thomas was given the opportunity to play football for the “Young Thundering Herd”. Thomas graduated from Marshall University in 1973 and earned his Masters Degree in Vocational Administration in 1979 from Marshall University.
He started his coaching career in 1973 as head football and baseball coach of Tygarts Valley High School. Thomas credited his coaching success to the outstanding student athletes, “who were just a good group of kids”. While there his baseball team’s stats were 150-53. The also accumulated five sectional titles, two regional titles, and two undefeated state championships. All while Class AA and Class A were one Class. Thomas was honored as West Virginia Baseball Coach of the Year in 1979.
He also obtained PVAC Football Coach of the Year in 1985, when the Bulldogs went to the state playoffs. His football coaching record at Tygarts Valley was 77-54.
In 1990 Thomas became head football coach at Elkins High School. At that time the team had a record of 23 straight losses. In three short years the Tigers made it to the playoffs. In both 1991 and 1992 he was named NCAC Football Coach of the Year. The team’s record during his tenure was 30-41. He felt once again that he was given the privilege to coach student athletes who were “just good kids”. Thomas also served as Elkins High School Athletic Director.
Thomas coached Elkins High School baseball for three years. The team’s record was 51-26. The team won two sectional titles and Coach Thomas was honored as the NCAC Baseball Coach of the Year in 1986.
The culminating events of Thomas’ career was being named NCAC Administrator of the Year in 1996, and in 2001 being inducted into the Randolph County Athletic Hall of Fame.
After coaching outstanding student athletes at both Tygarts Valley and Elkins High Schools, Thomas retired in 2000.
One last honor was given to Coach Thomas in March of 2014. During the half time activities of the AAA Basketball Championship at the Charleston Civic Center, Thomas was named West Virginia Retired Coach of the Year.
He was a member of the Elks Lodge # 1135, where he served as former Exalted Ruler. Floyd was a member of the American Legion Post # 29, where he served as coach of their baseball team for many years.
He attended the First Church of Christ and enjoyed participating in and giving to the Wednesday night youth program.
During retirement Thomas and his wife, Charlotte enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends
A Graveside Service will be held at 1 PM, Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at the American Legions Little Arlington Cemetery at Cravensdale, WV. Minister Jason Brandon and Doctor Marvin L. Parli will officiate and inurnment will follow with full military honors being accorded by members of the U. S. Army, the H. W. Daniels Post # 29, American Legion and the Tygarts Valley Post # 3647, Veterans of Foreign Wars. The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to the Tygarts Valley High School Athletic Program or the Elkins High School Athletic Program.
Floyd Leonard Thomas, III 1946-2022 Obituary
