Raleigh "Bobby" Thomas was born October 17, 1939, in Drew County, Arkansas, to James and Vera (Roland) Thomas. He was the third of 11 children. He passed away in his sleep after a long illness on Thursday, September 25, 2014, at his home in Pine Bluff.
"Bobby" confessed his love for Christ at an early age at First Baptist Church, Monticello, Arkansas, where he was a member of the BTU, a member of the church choir, and active in Sunday school. "Bobby" graduated from Drew High School in 1957, and upon graduation, moved to Seattle, Washington to attend Seattle University. While in Seattle, he also worked at Boeing Aircraft. He later enlisted in the United States Army, where he served numerous tours as a member of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. He was the recipient of two purple hearts as well as other awards. After leaving the military, he relocated to Chicago, Illinois where he began a second career with the United States Postal Service.
In 1960, he married the former Barbara Jean Robinson of Fayetteville, NC. This matrimony produced three children. Many years prior to this union, he was in a loving relationship with Barbara Ragland, which produced one daughter.
"Bobby" was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. He leaves many family members to carry on his legacy; three daughters, Terry (Marvin Sr) Hopson of Wilmar, AR; Genice (William) Sudduth and Tondra Etta Pinkett both of Fayetteville, NC and one son, Cornell (Donna) Thomas of Hampton, VA; three sisters, Queen Thomas of Monticello, AR; Helen Johnson of Baltimore, MD, and Dorothy (Robert) Thomas of Pine Bluff, AR; five brothers, Jacob (Consigla) Roland, Johnnie (Catherine) Thomas, both of Chicago, IL; James (Vera) Thomas, of Pine Bluff, AR; Audtry (Margaret) Thomas of Morrilton, AR, and Rev. Cleo (Florence) Thomas of Monticello, AR; and 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Vera Roland; his grandparents; his wife, Barbara Jean Thomas, one sister, Ruby Jewel Harris and one brother, Thurman Thomas.
Condolences(11)
archie roland
waldron, AR Monday, October 6, 2014 Bobby,you were(are) my hero. Never forgot your fixing the handlebars on my red bicycle when I was in elementary school.The last time I saw you and Thurman, we had a family prayer on the front porch before we departed.You received your final orders, Mission accomplished,May you rest in peace.I know that you are preparing the way for the rest of us to follow.Class members
Pine Bluff, AR Thursday, October 2, 2014 Members of the class of 1972 regret hearing of your family's loss. We pray that God will grant Audtry and his family the strength needed for such a time as this.Cornelia Anderson
Warren, AR Thursday, October 2, 2014 With Deep Sympathy - May God bless you during this time of sorrow. May you find tranquility in knowing that friends and loved ones share in the loss of your dearly departed.Alfreida Martorano
Chicago, IL Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Bobby, we had our ups and downs but I've always loved you as a father. Don't raise too much hell up there. I love you, I miss you, and I know that I will see you again one day.Love, your daughter Alfreida
Kathy Binns-McCollum
Bellwood, IL Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Bobby, I hope that there is no doubt in your military mind that you knew that I loved you. Rest in peace. I will miss you.Love, Kathy
Barbara Binns
Chicago, IL Monday, September 29, 2014 Bobby I'm going to miss you. You fought a good fight but God said it's time to come home and we know that God knows best.Love, Barbara Binns
Charles Cross
Pontiac, MI Monday, September 29, 2014 Bobby, you fought a hard battle and I know that you must have been tired. Rest in peace my friend. God loves you, and so do I.Almeta Miller
Monticello, AR Sunday, September 28, 2014 Will miss having you over for Sunday dinners and barbeque. RIPAlmeta Miller
Monticello, AR Sunday, September 28, 2014 Will miss having you over for Sunday dinners and barbeque. RIPBrenda Miller
Goodlettsville, TN Saturday, September 27, 2014 My prayers to Bobbies family. Miss you cousin Bobby, rest now... your in a better place now.Terry miller
Monticello, AR Saturday, September 27, 2014 It's hard saying goodbye to someone that you've had so many good times with .I'll keep you in my memories RIP Bobby