Funeral services for Ben Thomas, 70, of Palestine are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2013 at the Carroll Springs Methodist Church with Rev. Steven Newcomb officiating. Burial will follow at Carroll Springs Cemetery.
Mr. Thomas passed away in the company of his family on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 in Palestine.
Elvis Glynn “Ben” Thomas was born Jan. 30, 1943 in Anderson County, the son of John Gifford Thomas and Mollie Irene Cummings. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He had a special place in his heart for his dogs, Little Bit and Maggie Baby. Ben always enjoyed visiting with his family and in his latter years his great nephews Colton and Jacob. He would ask when are “the boys” coming. He loved watching them play in the yard and making paper airplanes and flying them with them. This was his true enjoyment. He was always in a great mood and never complained of his illness. He was a loving husband, brother and uncle. He was a true, loving family man. His sweet smile, encouragement and jokes will be missed by all he knew and loved.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Jody Miller.
He is survived by his loving wife, Gwen Thomas of Palestine; one brother, Johnny and wife Linda Thomas of Graham, Texas; two sisters, Brenda and husband Marvin Halbert of Palestine, Glenda Bennett of Waskom, Texas; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Sue and Tommy Morrison of Avalon, Texas; 15 nieces and nephews, Debbie, Kim, Tim, Tracie, Vickie, LaDonna, Jay, Lisa, Teresa, Jeremy, Justin, Ronny, Angela, Melissa, Melinda; numerous great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 30, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens.
Serving as pallbearers will be Ronny Halbert, Justin Halbert, Kevin Halbert, Jonathan Halbert, Michael Halbert, David Almon, Ronny Jack Smiley and Ray Lee Payton.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Dusty Halbert, Lonny Vick and Charles Graham.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home of Athens.
You may light a candle or write condolences to Mr. Thomas’s family at www.hannigansmith.com.