of Mountain View, AR
August 26, 1933 - February 20, 2017
Virgil ''Jack'' Thomas, 83, passed away February 20, 2017 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mr. Thomas was born August 26, 1933 to Dexter and Opal (Gayler) Thomas in Gayler, Arkansas.
Jack was a veteran of the United States Air force, deacon at Fifty Six Missionary Baptist Church, and the author of two books. After serving in the Air Force he taught school at Big Flat, Arkansas. Jack also served as a game warden following the death of his dad (Dexter Thomas) for Stone County. He then founded Thomas Petroleum in West Helena, Arkansas.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Jane (Long) Thomas; one son Randy Thomas and wife Susan; one daughter Rhonda Bennett and husband Marty; one brother Don Thomas; one sister Jean Whitfield; four grandchildren Sarah Jayne Thomas, Lori Beth Smith, Brent Bennett and Tyler Bennett; and two great grandchildren Addie Grace Smith and Price Smith; along with a host of family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dexter and Opal (Gayler) Thomas.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors who took such great care of Jack over the years, Dr. Meacham and Dr. Zini.
Pallbearers are Brent Bennett, Tyler Bennett, Greg Smith, Ritchie Thomas, Rick Whitfield, and Larry Lawrence. Honorary Pallbearers are all of the Deacons of Fifty Six Missionary Baptist Church.
A visitation will be held Wednesday February 22, 2017 from 6PM-8PM at Roller Crouch Chapel in Mountain View, Arkansas.
Funeral services will take place Thursday February 23, 2017 at 2 PM at Fifty Six Missionary Baptist Church in Fifty Six, Arkansas with Brother Robb Arnold and Brother Kindal Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Levisy Flat Cemetery in Mountain View, Arkansas.
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15 Condolence(s)
William Dwight Nash
Monday, March 12, 2018
My mom was Ray and Bertie Thomas' daughter. Virgil was my mom's cousin. The last time my wife and I visited Mountain View was in the summer of 2009. Virgil had taken Ira, Ima, me and my wife for a ride in his 1912 Brooks Brothers Dodge. It was quite a visit, and a visit with family that I will never forget.
If anyone of the Thomas family please e-mail me at
wdbj1973@gmail.com for I would very much like to stay in or call 951.201.1899 and leave a voice mail if I cannot get to the phone right away. I sure hope this works.
William Giberson
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Thanks for being a great neighbor to our family as the children loved to fish in the creek. The memories were made possible because of our friend Jack. We will look forward to meeting again
Brenda Murray
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Rhonda and Marty: I just learned of Jack's passing and I wanted you to know that I am keeping your family in my prayers.
Vauda Burns and Susie Burrow
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Dear Jane; Don and Jean and family: Our prayers are with you all during this sad time. Jack was an awesome guy and we were blessed to know Deck, Opal and family forever.... Jack lived life to fullest. Great guy and family man.
Marty & Judy Cantwell
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Ms. Jane, Rhonda, Randy and family we are sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Jack. He was a joy to be around. As we Christians know we are not saying goodbye to him but see you later. May God comfort you all in the days to come.
Love,
Marty, Judy and Cheyenne Cantwell
James F. Marsh
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
I first met Jack in 1985 when he was a patient at Baptist Hospital where I worked. We hit it off right there. He introduced me to Jane, and I felt a bond with them. Whenever he returned as a heart patient, I would ask to be his nurse. What great times we had talking. When he wrote his first book, I passed it around to all my family and friends. Jack was stubborn in a nice way, and funny to boot. I am so proud to have known such a unique character as Jack Thomas. God bless Jane and all the family that he loved dearly.
Tim Gammill
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
I met Jack Thomas almost 30 years ago through business. We very quickly became friends. I looked forward to Jacks visits where he would often share stories of his young days in Stone County and the early days of Thomas Petroleum. I always admired his devotion and his love for Jane and his family. A good man, Jack earned the respect of all who knew him. Rest in peace old friend, you're at home today.
Kay Balentine Knight
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Mr Thomas was my teacher at Big Flat. He was a funny & kind man.. My condolences at your loss.
ROGER PEARCE
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Dear Jane, I read in the paper about Jack's passing. Just a few days ago I thought of you and wondered if you and Jack were still living. Our hearts go out to you in your loss, and our prayers are with you. We have not forgotten how kind and supportive you and Jack were of us at Harmony. We are living in Russellville, where I have been pastor of Grace Missionary Baptist church for 21 years. Debbie is a sign language interpreter for a deaf student at Dardanelle Schools. We have 4 children and 9 grandchildren. God bless.
Monica Aaron Day
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
You will forever be in our memories of life at the creek. We enjoyed sitting on your porch, hearing your stories and spending time with you Jane and Ellie Mae. You will be missed
Jim Tindall
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
A great loss to his family and friends. I was privileged to be counted among his many friends. Jack was one of the first friends I made upon moving to Mtn View. When he found out that I was an artist he asked me to illustrate his second book. As a result my wife Faye and I became close friends with Jack and Jane. He left a wonderful legacy that will continue to touch the lives of a great many people! Jack is now enjoying his eternal rewards. One day Jack and I will be meet again!. Glory be God!
Richard Stoltze
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Jack and I made a lot of good memories. He was a good friend and will be missed. Richard Stoltze
Mike Hill
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Jack was a good friend and neighbor. I will never forget that even though he lost his whole house in the Flood of '82, he gave Jan and I a generous gift of money to help us recover from that Flood. He was a good story teller and historian and was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I had a good conversation with him just a few days before his passing. He gave God the credit for getting him through so many health crises that should in the natural, have taken him out years ago.
Mazie (Sutterfield) Lee
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
My prayers are with you as you face days that come without this good man. I know you will be consoled to know that he is in a better place. May God comfort you.
NANCY REEVES
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
I AM AT A LOSS FOR WORDS , THERE ARE TOO MANY THANKS I OWE THIS MAN . HAVING WORKED FOR HIM MANY YEARS AGO HE TAUGHT ME SO MUCH , NOT ONLY ABOUT WORK BUT LIFE ITSELF. LOVE AND PRAYERS TO MS JANE , RHONDA ,RANDY AND ALL .SORRY I HAVE LOST TOUCH WTH YOU ALL THRU THE YEARS . I THOUGHT THE WORLD OF MR JACK AND I THOUGHT OF HIM OFTEN. LOVE YOU ALL