On Feb. 13, 1941, in Natchez, Miss., Roy Gene Thomas came into the world much to the delight of his parents John William Thomas and Willie Mae Perry Thomas. For the next 81 years, he made his mark on this world as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. A long-time resident of Liberty, Miss., he passed away on the morning of March 11, 2022, in Ackerman, with his wife of 52 years, Vivian Causey Thomas, at his side.

Roy grew up in Gloster, Miss., and graduated from Gloster High School. After four-plus years in the U.S. Navy, he went to work at Louisiana National Bank. Even though the bank changed names several times, he stayed with the organization for 30 years until his retirement.

Known, as "PawPaw" to many, he loved keeping track of his grand kids' sports, theatrical and musical activities. He was a die-hard Ole Miss Rebels fan and always rooted for them and whoever happened to be playing LSU. Roy also served on the Amite School Center school board for six years and was a member of Hebron Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John W. Thomas Jr., and his three sisters: Alice Netterville, Willie Mae Beck and Christine McCallister.

In addition to his wife, Roy is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law: Brad and Jennifer Thomas of Sandy, Utah, and Lance and Kim Thomas of Ackerman, Miss. His posterity includes eight grandchildren – Hannah (Scott Wilson), DeDee, Lizzie, Faith, Molly, Jeb, Peyton and Bella – and one great-grandson Ari. He is also survived by two brothers, Prentice Thomas (Ethel) of Zachary, La., and James Thomas (Hattie) of Coles, Miss., and numerous nieces and nephews.

Roy will be laid to rest on Wednesday, March 16, in Liberty. Visitation will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and the funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home, with his long-time friend Brother Tommy McCurley officiating. Burial will take place afterwards in the Liberty Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Jeb Thomas, Peyton Thomas, Zach Steele, Max Weathers, Brad Weathers, and Russell Cruise. Honorary pallbearers include Prentice Thomas, James Thomas, Leon Causey, Rayford Causey, Scott Wilson and Ben Weathers.