MECHANICSVILLE, May 25 – James Ernest Thomas, 82, of Mechanicsville, went to be with his Lord peacefully at home on Saturday, May 22, 2010.

He retired from Reynolds Metal South Plant in 1991 after 44 years of service. He was a member of Washington and Henry Lodge 344 and Scottish Rite of Free Masonry of Richmond. He was the son of the late Stuart E. and Lottie Ayres Thomas of Buckingham.

Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife of 55 years, Pernetta A. Thomas; two sons and their wives, Ernest A. and Deborah D. Thomas and Clinton B. and Tracy L. Thomas of Mechanicsville; grandson, Stuart E. Thomas; step-grandson, Chris Jefferson; brothers, Maynard, Bernard, Acie, Raymond, Julian and Linwood Thomas; sisters, Louise Dunkum and Shirley Wooten; and his caregiver, Ann Marie. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Willard and Horace Thomas and sister, Lillie Withers.

Viewing was held Tuesday, May 25, followed by a Masonic Memorial Service at Dunkum Funeral Home. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 26, at the funeral home. Interment will be at Rocky Mount United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, Building Fund or Cemetery Fund, 404 Thomas Rd., Dillwyn, VA 23936.

Dunkum Funeral Home, Dillwyn, is in charge of arrangements.