Billy Joe Thomas a resident of the Salem community, died March 31, 2022 at the age of 88. Born Dec. 24, 1933 in Altus, Ark., to Claude and Tenni Mae (Fulmer) Thomas, he married Dixie Mae Kaler Jan. 12, 1952 in Henryetta. Billy Joe was a glass worker and rancher. He also served as a Deacon at the Salem Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Wife Dixie (Jan 24, 2021), brothers Morgan, Leo, Claude, Bob, Floyd and a sister Betty Thomas.
He is survived by his children: Larry Joe Thomas and wife Sandra of Liberty Mounds, Ricky Thomas and wife Shirley of Henryetta, Michael Thomas and wife Debbie of Henryetta and Michelle Thomas Dugger and husband James of Henryetta; grandchildren: Trina Evans, Lonnie Thomas, Angel Barker, Casey Thomas, Michael Thomas II, Joshua Thomas, Blake Vaughn and Conner Vaughn; great grandchildren: Chayce, Kayden, Arya, Kya, Katana, Asheron, Skyler, Cheyanne, Addison, Caylor, Gavin, Weston, Austin, McKenna, Cason, Mallie, Maddox, Remi, and Dally.
Family visitation will be Wednesday, April 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. Family and public visitation, Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday April 8, 2022 at the Salem Baptist Church with Pastor Scott Wolf, officiating. Interment will be at the Salem Cemetery under the direction of the Rogers Funeral Home