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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.