Thomas was born in Kenly, NC.  He moved to Newport News, VA in 1958 after graduating from Kenly High School to begin work at C&O railroad and then Newport News Shipyard and Dry Dock Co. After leaving the shipyard, he began work at NASA Research Center in 1973 as a nuclear pipefitter until his retirement in 2011.

Thomas was a loyal and active member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1340 Union.  After retirement, he was often invited to attend IBEW social functions such as their annual oyster Roasts and holiday parties.

Thomas was always a self-taught mechanic for a variety of things.  An automotive mechanic of older vehicles he often purchased to be restored and sold or kept for personal use. He was always happy to lend a helping hand to help others with car repairs. When it was not a vehicle that needed to be worked on, you could find him repairing lawn mowers or other lawn equipment for himself and others.  He always enjoyed a challenge.Thomas would never hesitate to assist family or friend in need.  He often assisted after storms, assisted a small Church with lawn care, or install/winterize  seasonal well pumps.  He enjoyed many conversations both by phone and on the front porch of the house. Thomas enjoyed NASCAR both in person and in TV.  For many years he attended races at Langley Speedway on Saturday evening and rooted for the Ford drivers.  He also enjoyed playing the lottery.

He was preceded in death by Percy and Viola Bass, Bobby Bass and Nathan Bass (brothers), Eloise Hinnant and Clara Lee Pearson (sisters).

He is survived by his wife Sharon A. Bass; his four children, Jeffrey Thomas Bass (Darlene) of Somersworth NH, Dawn Nicolle Bass-Campbell (Jeff) of Newport News, VA, Mary Kathleen Grubbs (Bruce) of Mooresville, NC and Larry Wall II (Cheryl Lynn) of Deltona, FL. He is also survived by grandchildren, Brianna Marie Grubbs, Robert Thomas Grubbs, Cody Gage Campbell, Courtney Alexis Wall, Troy Ronald Bass, Hayden Rhys Campbell, Caitlyn Amanda Wall, Abigail Evelyn Bass, Chelsea Ashton Wall, and Chryssha Guidry. In addition, Thomas is survived by his brother, Percy Glenn Bass of Kenly, NC and Sisters-In Law, Sue Bass of Kenly, NC, Sondra Bass of Margate, FL, and Margaret Jean Veits of Hampton, VA, as well as a host of extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends Saturday, February 14, 2026 at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home from Noon-1PM with a funeral service at 1 PM. Burial will take place afterward at Hampton Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Paul, Rocky J., Joe, Robert, and the countless other friends that Thomas had a wonderful friendship with.  He enjoyed the conversations and the time spent over the years. In addition, thank you for the staff at Riverside Health System and Specialists, particularly 3WEST and SICU units that had so compassionately cared for Thomas in recent weeks.

Flowers are welcome but in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Riverside Health Foundation, Hampton City Division of Fire and Rescue, American Heart Association, or other charity of choice.