Thomas Howing Coles

Obituary For Thomas Howing Coles

Thomas Howing Coles, age 70, of Kellam Dr., Ridgeway, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Mulberry Creek Nursing & Rehab Center.

Born in Pittsylvania County, VA, on August 6, 1956, he was the beloved son of the late William Bryant Coles, Sr. and Mabel Logan Coles Oakes. Thomas was a longtime resident of the region, known by friends and neighbors for his quiet strength, warm spirit, and devotion to his community.

His gentle presence and kindness touched many lives over his 70 years, leaving behind a legacy of quiet resilience and heartfelt connection.

Thomas was a member of Riceville Baptist Church and was a graduate of Northside High School. He was a United States Marine Corp Veteran.

In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by two brothers, William I. Coles, Jr., and Julian Coles, and two sisters, Mable Louise Barksdale, and Belinda “Brenda” Tucker.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Mary L. Mitchell of the home; three stepdaughters, Bertha M. Guess (James) of the home, April D. Mitchell of Bassett, VA and Manervia B. Kellam (Derrick) of Greensboro, NC; one stepson, Melvin Mitchell of Ridgeway, VA; six grandchildren, Kimberly Mitchell, Latoya Hairston (Larry), Elijah Fields, Shaprille Preston, Keondre Dickerson, and Patricia Lee; three great-grandchildren, Tyeshun, Zoe, and Tristan.

Siblings and other relatives left to cherish his memories are three sisters, Barbara Coles of Java, VA, Doris Tucker of Nathalie, VA, and Sylvia Petty (Arthur) of Gretna, VA; two brothers, Michael L. Coles of Java, VA, and Rodney Coles of Danville, VA; two uncles, Henry Coles, and Isaiah Coles; one aunt, Pearl Davis; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

A visitation service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. with the funeral service at 12 noon at the C.R.V. Memorial Chapel at Hairston Funeral Home with Pastor Roscoe Richie, Eulogist. Interment will be private.

The family will receive friends at Hairston Funeral Home, 301 Fayette St., Martinsville on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Other times, the family will receive friends at the residence, 130 Kellam Dr., Ridgeway, VA. Live streaming of the funeral service will be available at Hairston Funeral Home live via Facebook.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.

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