Alma Thomas Read

On Saturday, September 26, 2026, Mr. Alma Thomas Read, 80, of Wingate, NC, and formerly of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, passed away peacefully at Anson Health and Rehab in Wadesboro, NC, with the love and support of his four daughters gathered in his room.

Alma was born March 4, 1946, in Newport News, VA, and was a son of the late Edward Richard Read and the late Elizabeth Lucille Powers Read. He was a graduate of Central High School in Painter, VA.

He grew up in Melfa, VA, where he and his family resided for many years before relocating to Onancock, VA. For many years he worked with Delmarva Power Electric Company in Exmore, VA, and later retired as a salesman with Onancock Building Supply in Onancock, VA.

Alma was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served during the Vietnam War. While in the Marines, he worked as a mechanic on airplanes and helicopters. Honorably discharged following his tour of duty, Sergeant Read was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Device, Vietnam Campaign Medal with One Star, Good Conduct Medal and Rifle Expert Badge. To say he was a proud veteran is an understatement as he always wanted to wear clothing and hats significantly stating he was a Vietnam War Veteran and a Marine Semper Fi!

He led and spearheaded the Nandua Athletic Booster Club, served with the Melfa Ballfield Concession Stand, and in Melfa he played, coached, and umpired softball. He enjoyed all sports and enjoyed watching games of various sports teams.

Of all his accomplishments, his greatest was that of being a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and Marie were always there for their daughters, supporting them all through their school years and into adulthood. He loved his children and grandchildren greatly and always looked forward to times shared with them.

Those who are left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Marie Ortley Read; their daughters, Carole Read (Bobby Mears) of Melfa, VA, Vicki Colona (Mike Bridges) of Wingate, NC, Cindy Terry of Bloxom, VA, and Debbie Hess (Shaun) of Aldie, VA; his grandchildren, Kayla Bagwell of Cashville, VA, Duane Read (Chelsea) of Temperanceville, VA, Alexus Hess and Devon Hess both of Aldie, VA, Bradley Colona and Rylee Marshall both of Bloxom, VA, and Dylan Marshall of Onancock, VA; his great-grandchildren, Audrey, Bennie, Drake, Wyatt, Emmie, and Tatum; his siblings, Maynard Read (Marsha) of Reno, NV and Peggy Brown (Norvil) of Melfa, VA; and his nieces and nephews and their families.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Read.

The family is most grateful to the staff of Anson Health and Rehab for becoming a second family to both Alma and Marie and for the care they have lovingly provided for them both, especially Yasmin and Ashley.

A Celebration of Life service with Military Honors will be conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The family will welcome friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service for Visitation. The family will receive guests after the service at 19434 Lee Street, Melfa, VA 23410.

Donations in Alma’s name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 (http://www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org); or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Southeastern Virginia Chapter, 6160 Kempsville Circle, Suite 322A, Norfolk, VA 23502 (http://www.alz.org).

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at https://www.williamsfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Alma-Read.