Samuel Terrell Thomas

Samuel Terrell "Sam" Thomas, passed away March 11, 2011 at age 85 following a long illness. Preceding him in death were his parents Ernest and Pearl (Terrell) Thomas; his stepmother, Hollis Murphy Thomas; and his grandparents, J.A. and Sara Willie (Newton) Thomas and Will and Ida (Heath) Terrell. Survived by his wife of 65 years, Ann Keese Thomas; daughter, Terrell Ann Boaz and husband Charlie Boaz of Snyder, Texas; son, James Keese Thomas and wife, Lou Ann (Shielley) Thomas of Vilonia, Ark.; four grandsons, Thomas Carroll Hefner, US Military, Italy, Europe, Joseph Terrell Hefner of Abilene, Texas, James Bradford Thomas and Charles Cleveland Thomas of Vilonia, Ark.; two nieces; two nephews and numerous cousins. Born on Jan. 11, 1926 to Ernest Bradford Thomas and Pearl Terrell Thomas in Magnolia, Ark.; he graduated from Magnolia High School, attended Southern State College (now Southern Arkansas University) and Texas Tech University. He married Ann Keese on July 21, 1946. His life was spent working in agriculture as owner and operator of the Thomas Cotton Gin for 35 years, manager of his cattle farm, procurement agent and assistant plant manager of the Brown Miller Pickle Plant in Texarkana for 20 years and in retirement worked as service dept. manager for Hinson Ford and a Columbia Packing Co. employee as he continued to develop and manage the family timber farm. Sam served on the front line in the 10th Mountain Division, Italy during World War II. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and the 10th Mountain Foundation. As a World War II Veteran and honorary Italian Alpena soldier. He participated in all reunions in Europe and the United States. He was past president and Board member of the 10th Mountain Regional Association. Sam was a private person, passionate in his love for his friends, his family but especially his grandsons who knew him as Poppoing. He was a member and officer of the Kiwanis Club; participated in the Junior Charity League Follies, served on the USDA-ASCS (now USDA-FSA) County Committee and the Magnolia City Cemetery Board. Active in the First United Methodist Church, he served on committees and ushered for all services until his health caused him to become a seated congregation member. In 1946 he persuaded Brother McCormick to create the Couples Class, now known as the Leland Clegg class; and was co-leader of the Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) for many years. His passion for family, classical music, World War history; his dry wit, humor, and stubborn unshakeable values for living will be missed. Family visitation will be held at the First United Methodist Church parlor, Magnolia, Ark., from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., Wednesday, March 23, 2011. Memorial service will follow at 10 a.m. with Dr. Raymond Cammack and Brother Larry Kelso officiating. Interment will follow at Magnolia City Cemetery under direction of Lewis Funeral Home, In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Southern Arkansas University Scholarship Foundation, 100 E. University, Magnolia, Ark. 71753, First United Methodist Church, 320 West Main, Magnolia, Ark. 71753 or 10th Mountain Foundation, Inc., 133 South Van Gordon Street, Suite 200, Lakewood, Colo. 80228. www.lewisfuneralhome.biz