Billy Ray Thomas Sr. (Bill), a retired architect and long-time resident of Stockton, AL passed from this life on August 12, 2019, in Mobile, AL. He was born on November 9, 1935 in Meridian, Mississippi. He was also a former resident of Pascagoula, MS, Mobile, AL, Prichard AL. and currently Stockton, AL (Years 33). He was preceded in death by his parents, Nolan Bethea Thomas and Eleanor Jellenc Thomas; brother, Malcolm Glenn Thomas of Ogden, UT
WIFE: Joyce Mitchell Thomas (Years 62); CHILDREN: Catherine Ann Thomas (Mark) Boden, Olive Branch, MS and Billy Ray Thomas, Jr., Semmes, AL; BROTHERS: James Harold Thomas, Daphne, AL and Steve Allen Thomas and wife Nancy, Mobile, AL; GRANDCHILDREN: Kristen Audree (Skipper) Sullivan, Fairhope, AL and Wraychel Renee Hudson, Mobile, AL; GREATGRANDCHILDREN: Olivia Kate Sullivan, Fairhope, AL and Harper Grace Sullivan, Fairhope, AL; OTHER RELATIVES: Aunt Marion Jellenc, Daphne, AL; COUSINS: Mary Nell (J. D.) Neal, E. L. (Buster) Jellenc and wife Peggy, and Emma Dean Davidson all of Meridian, MS; and Susan Clark of Highland, CA; and nieces and nephews.
Mr. Thomas graduated from Murphy High School and attended Auburn University. He served his country in the US Army.
His employment was at: Air Conditioners Engineers, Winter and Ellis, City Planning & Architect, TAG, Knodel Thomas Architects and Army Corps of Engineers (retired).
He was a member of Bay Minette First Baptist Church where he served as an Usher and Deacon. He also served as a Deacon at First Baptist of Prichard, AL and Stockton Baptist Church.
His professional organization was, Mobile Chapter, AIA. His civic organizations were: Bay Minette Rotary Club, Stockton Civic Club and Stockton Heritage Association.
His outside interests were his grandchildren and great grandchildren, traveling, photography, gardening, his animals, and reading his Bible.
Funeral services will be held from First Baptist Church of Bay Minette on Thursday, August 15, 2019, at 11 am. Visitation will start at 9 am. Private burial will be in Mobile Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Salvation Army, Waterfront rescue Mission or a charity of your choice.
1935-2019
A church service will be held at 12pm on Thursday, 08/15/2019 from First Baptist Church of Bay Minette, followed by a committal service at the grave site.
