Most people knew him as either RE or Arkie. People called him Arkie because he was from Arkansas.
He was born on December 1, 1932 in Gentry Arkansas. He was the son of Earl and Lena Mae Thomas. He is survived by his oldest son, Raymond Earl Thomas, Jr. and his wife, Jan; his youngest son, Larry Stephen Thomas and his wife, Heather. He is also survived by his oldest sister, Betty Baker; brother, Billy Thomas; and his brother-in-law, John Hobbgood; his sister-law, Joann Knowlton; and step-son, Ben Haden. He has ten grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. He out lived two wives, Barbara Thomas and Mary Thomas who both passed away relating to cancer. He is also preceded in death by his parents; his youngest sister, Ulamae Hobbgood; and his daughter, Debbie Baker.
Military and the veterans meant a great deal to him. He was in the Army and had the rank of Staff Sergeant when he left the military.
He spent most of his working career in construction. He worked hard all his life, doing all he could to support his family. He made time to be close to his children. He made time to coach his boys in baseball and to be a Scout Master. He was a strong family man who made sure his family was in church every time the doors were open. He loved his family and it carried on down through his grandchildren. His children and all his grandchildren saw him as their role model and what a role model he was. He continuously displayed the love for his family. He was a very special man. He was a great husband and father. He was a great friend to many. He never met a stranger and was truly always willing to help others. He was a Mason and for years traveled to many different lodges with his good friend, Ronny Bledsoe of Longview. In doing so, he met and became friends with numerous people. He was well respected by so many. He was simply a very special man.
We were so blessed that God provided him to be our Dad and head of our family. He was a strong leader and teacher of life and our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He is now rejoicing in Heaven with his Mom and Dad; his wives Barbara and Mary; and his daughter Debbie.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Raymond Earl Thomas, Sr. to the SPCA of Longview, 303 H G Moseley Pkwy., Longview, Texas 75604 or The Patriot Paws Project, c/o Jamie McMahon, 614 N. Main St., Duncanville, Texas 75116.
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