Lee County Community Hospital’s Eddie Thomas honored at Virginia Capitol for 50 years of service to community

Eddie Thomas, a longtime facility manager and one of Lee County Community Hospital’s longest-tenured team members, was honored at the Virginia Capitol for 50 years of service to public health and the Southwest Virginia community.

Thomas was recognized with a formal resolution passed by both the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate, introduced by Sen. Todd Pillion and Del. Terry Kilgore, commending his decades of commitment, leadership and impact. The recognition comes as Thomas' recent retirement from the hospital following a career that began in 1975 at what was then Lee Regional Medical Center.

“Eddie Thomas represents the very best of Lee County – hardworking, humble and deeply committed to the people around him,” Pillion said. “For five decades, he has gone above and beyond to ensure this hospital and this community were cared for. It is an honor to recognize Eddie for a lifetime of service that has truly made a difference.”

Kilgore echoed those sentiments, noting the importance of Thomas’ role in sustaining healthcare access in Lee County through many transitions.

“Eddie’s dedication never wavered, even during challenging periods, including when the hospital was closed,” Kilgore said. “Through his loyalty, expertise and steady presence, Eddie played a significant role in helping Lee County Community Hospital reopen in 2021. His legacy will be felt for generations, and the Commonwealth is grateful for his service.”

Thomas began his career on Nov. 10, 1975, as a maintenance technician and spent decades supporting the hospital’s operations until its closure in 2013. During the years the facility was closed, he worked at Lonesome Pine Hospital but continued to look after the shuttered Lee County hospital building, helping maintain and safeguard it until Ballad Health took ownership of the hospital and began renovations in 2020. He played an invaluable role during the construction process that led to the reopening of Lee County Community Hospital on July 1, 2021.

Throughout his career, Thomas has been known for going out of his way to help others – giving coworkers rides during snowstorms, lending his truck and trailer for community parades and mentoring generations of team members.

“Eddie Thomas is the heart of Lee County Community Hospital,” said Cindy Elkins, administrator at Lee County Community Hospital. “His knowledge, kindness and unwavering dedication have shaped this facility in ways that cannot be measured. We are incredibly grateful for his 50 years of service and for the example he has set for all of us.”

Thomas has often spoken about what the hospital’s reopening meant to him and to the community.

“It means lives saved, healthcare back in Lee County and jobs,” Thomas said. “This hospital is more than just a building to maintain. It’s a much-needed fixture in Lee County. Much of our population is elderly and retired and needs to be near a healthcare facility. Lee County Community Hospital supports the county, and the county supports the hospital. It’s my hospital.”

The Virginia Senate and House resolutions formally commend Thomas for his “50 years of service supporting public health and wellness in Lee County” and express the General Assembly’s appreciation for his lasting contributions to the county and the Commonwealth.
“On behalf of Lee County Community Hospital and Ballad Health, we congratulate Eddie Thomas on an extraordinary career,” said Alan Levine, Chairman and CEO of Ballad Health.

“Eddie Thomas embodies everything that makes rural healthcare strong – loyalty, resilience and a deep love for his community. His commitment to Lee County Community Hospital never wavered, even during its most uncertain days, and his efforts helped ensure healthcare would return to the people of Lee County. We are profoundly grateful for Eddie’s lifetime of service and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.”

Learn more about Lee County Community Hospital.