Ardie Ray Thomas, Sr., 82, of Monroe, passed into the loving arms of Jesus on Monday, March 19, 2018, at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was born on August 15, 1935, in Amherst County to the late Edward, Sr. and Lizzie Brown Thomas. He was the husband of the late Dorothy Turner Thomas. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by five brothers, James, Mark Sr., Maurice, Edward Jr., and Robert Thomas; and three sisters, Elizabeth T. Mosby, Jean T. Roberson, and Margaret T. Govans. Ardie leaves to celebrate his legacy two sons, Ardie R. Thomas, Jr. (Beverly) of Forest and William Otis Thomas of Madison Heights; two daughters, Jo Ann T. Lewis and Bridgette B. Thomas both of Monroe; two sisters, Laura T. Jeffries (George) of New Rochelle, N.Y. and Evelyn T. Wright (Louis) of Steelton, Pa.; seven grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, March 24, 2018, at Rising Sun Missionary Baptist Church, Monroe with Minster Charles Braxton officiating and Pastor Jesse Waller eulogist. His remains will be open to the public one hour prior to the service at the church. The family is receiving friends and the cortege will assemble 877 Cedar Gate Road, Monroe. Condolences may be emailed to comfuneral@aol.com Community Funeral Home directing