A. Victor Thomas

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Alfred Victor “Vic” Thomas (1929–2006) was a Virginia businessman and politician. He owned E. J. Thomas Market and served as a Democratic member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1974 to 2004, representing parts of Roanoke and Roanoke County.

Early life and family
Thomas was born in Roanoke during the Great Depression. He attended local public schools, including Jefferson High School, and studied at Virginia Southern College in Buena Vista and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. He served in the U.S. military in the Panama Canal Zone. He married Dorothy Marie Lucas, and they had four children: Alfred V. Thomas Jr., Genevieve C. Thomas, William E. Thomas, and Thomas P. Thomas. He was active in his Catholic church and in groups like the Knights of Pythias. He also owned and ran E. J. Thomas Market and participated in the Chamber of Commerce, Civitan, the American Legion, and other community organizations.

Political career
Thomas began serving in the Virginia House of Delegates in 1974, succeeding John C. Towler. He served alongside fellow Democrats Ray L. Garland (1974–1980) and Chip Woodrum (1980–1983). The district he represented changed several times due to redistricting, starting as the 7th district (1974–1980), then the 6th (1982–1983), and later the 17th (1983–2004), covering parts of Roanoke City and Roanoke County.

In 1979 he teamed up with Chip Woodrum on a Democratic ticket and won elections against Republican and Independent opponents. Thomas faced occasional challenges but was often reelected. Notable campaigns included defeating Independent Zaman K. McManaway in 1991 and McManaway again along with Republican Jeffrey L. Artis in 1995. After Republicans gained control of the House in 2000 and districts were redrawn, he won again before choosing not to run in 2003.

Later life and death
Thomas did not seek re-election in 2003. He was succeeded by Republican W. H. Fralin Jr. He died on April 26, 2006, in Roanoke at the age of 76. He is buried at St. Andrews Diocesan Cemetery in Roanoke. An environmental award is named in his honor.